وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمْ وَمَا تَعْمَلُونَ 96
Translations
While Allāh created you and that which you do?"
Transliteration
Wa-Allahu khalaqakum wa-ma ta'malun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah Most High created both you (humanity) and the works/deeds that you perform, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over creation and human actions. This ayah refutes the pagan notion that idols possess any creative power, while addressing the theological question of divine will versus human choice—Ibn Kathir notes that this establishes Allah's knowledge and predetermined decree over all actions, though humans remain responsible for their choices within this divine framework. The verse contextually responds to the idolaters' worship of carved idols, declaring that these false gods neither created nor possess any ability to act.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah As-Saffat's broader argument against polytheism and idol worship, specifically addressing the absurdity of worshipping created objects (37:94-96). The surah was revealed in Mecca during the period of intense conflict with the pagan Quraysh, and this particular passage follows the narrative of Prophet Ibrahim's confrontation with his people regarding their idolatry.
Related Hadiths
The principle relates to Hadith Qudsi: 'O son of Adam, I have not created anything better than free will, and by free will I have not created anything worse than the tongue' (transmitted through various routes). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding qadar (divine decree): the Prophet (ﷺ) said 'Actions are by intentions, and to each person is what he intended.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that ultimate creative power and control belong only to Allah, humbling us before His majesty and encouraging reliance on Him alone rather than on created beings or objects. It also affirms human accountability—while Allah creates our ability to act, we are responsible for our choices and intentions.