قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَهْلَكَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ وَمَن مَّعِىَ أَوْ رَحِمَنَا فَمَن يُجِيرُ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ 28
Translations
Say, [O Muḥammad], "Have you considered: whether Allāh should cause my death and those with me or have mercy upon us, who can protect the disbelievers from a painful punishment?"
Transliteration
Qul ara-ayatum in ahlakanee Allahu wa man ma'ee aw rahmana famman yujiru alkafireena min adhabi aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is commanded to pose a rhetorical question to the disbelievers: if Allah were to destroy him and those with him (the believers), or show them mercy, who could protect the disbelievers from Allah's painful punishment? This ayah serves as a powerful rhetorical device to remind the Quraysh of their complete helplessness before Allah's will and divine justice. Ibn Kathir notes this demonstrates that the believers' survival or destruction rests entirely in Allah's hands, while the disbelievers have no refuge or helper against His punishment.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Mulk is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Prophet Muhammad's mission when he faced intense opposition from the Quraysh. This particular ayah is part of a broader section addressing the disbelievers' arrogance and their denial of divine power and accountability. The context reflects the ongoing confrontation between the Prophet and those who rejected his message.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Muslim: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'No one's deeds will enter Paradise (solely) because of his wealth.' The Companions asked, 'Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'Not even me, unless Allah grants me His mercy.' This relates to the theme of complete dependence on Allah's mercy. Additionally, the concept of divine protection (ijara) is referenced in hadiths about seeking refuge in Allah from evil.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that ultimate power and protection belong only to Allah, and no one—regardless of wealth, status, or allies—can escape His judgment or gain refuge except through His mercy. For modern readers, it is a humbling reminder that true security lies in righteous conduct and submission to Allah rather than in material possessions or worldly influence.