وَمَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّضِلٍّ ۗ أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِعَزِيزٍ ذِى ٱنتِقَامٍ 37
Translations
And whoever Allāh guides - for him there is no misleader. Is not Allāh Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution?
Transliteration
Wa man yahdi Allahu fama lahu min mudillin. Alaysa Allahu bi-azizin dhi intiqam?
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that whoever Allah guides will have no one capable of leading them astray, as Allah's guidance is supreme and irresistible. The rhetorical questions that follow emphasize Allah's omnipotence and His attribute of mighty retribution against those who reject His signs—establishing that those who turn away from guidance do so at their own peril. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this verse emphasizes the futility of misguidance when Allah has granted guidance, and conversely, the inescapability of misguidance when Allah withholds it.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Az-Zumar, which addresses the polytheists of Mecca and their rejection of monotheism. The broader context discusses how people choose false deities and leaders, contrasting this with those whom Allah guides to Truth. This verse serves as a consolation to believers and a warning to disbelievers that Allah's will is absolute.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever Allah wills to guide, He expands his chest for Islam; and whoever He wills to leave astray, He makes his chest tight and constricted' (Sahih Muslim 2645). Additionally, the Quran states in 6:39: 'And those We have given no light to—for them We have prepared a punishment of the Fire' (thematically related).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true security and success come only through Allah's guidance, and that no force in creation can override His will—believers should seek His guidance earnestly while trusting in His protection, and the arrogant should reflect on their vulnerability before the Mighty and All-Avenging God.