أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُۥ ۖ وَيُخَوِّفُونَكَ بِٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ 36
Translations
Is not Allāh sufficient for His Servant [i.e., Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)]? And [yet], they threaten you with those [they worship] other than Him. And whoever Allāh leaves astray - for him there is no guide.
Transliteration
Alaysa Allahu bikafin abduhu wa yukhawwifunaka billathina min doonih wa man yudlil Allahu fama lahu min had
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah reassures the Prophet (peace be upon him) that Allah is sufficient for His servant against all harm, while the disbelievers attempt to frighten him with their false gods and power. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Allah's sufficiency encompasses protection from enemies, guidance in matters, and support in all circumstances. The rhetorical question 'Is not Allah sufficient for His servant?' expects an affirmative answer, emphasizing that reliance on Allah alone negates the effectiveness of threats from opponents.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in Mecca during the period of intense persecution faced by the Prophet and early Muslims. The Meccan disbelievers attempted to intimidate the Muslims through threats and by glorifying their idols and false deities. The surah Az-Zumar addresses themes of monotheism and the futility of polytheism, providing spiritual comfort to believers facing pressure to abandon their faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever puts his trust in Allah, sufficient for him is Allah' (Tirmidhi 2347). Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet said: 'It is sufficient for me that my Lord is in the heaven and I am on the earth' (Tirmidhi 3402), reflecting the concept of reliance on Allah despite earthly threats.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true security and sufficiency come only from Allah, and that no earthly power or threat should deter one from faith and obedience to Allah. It encourages placing complete reliance on Allah's protection rather than fearing human opposition or worldly threats.