قَالَ إِنَّمَا يَأْتِيكُم بِهِ ٱللَّهُ إِن شَآءَ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ 33
Translations
He said, "Allāh will only bring it to you if He wills, and you will not cause [Him] failure.
Transliteration
Qāla innamā ya'tīkum bihi-Allāhu in shā'a wa-mā antum bi-mu'jizīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Nuh (Noah) responds to his people's mockery by clarifying that the punishment they challenge him to bring can only come from Allah by His will, and they cannot escape or prevent it. This ayah emphasizes Allah's absolute sovereignty over all affairs and the futility of human resistance against divine will. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as Nuh's confident assertion that Allah alone controls the timing and manner of punishment, and no human power can thwart Allah's plan.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Prophet Nuh's message to his people over 950 years. The disbelievers had mocked Nuh and demanded he bring the threatened punishment immediately if he was truthful. Nuh's response here reflects the broader theme of Surah Hud—the patience of messengers in the face of rejection and mockery, and trust in Allah's ultimate justice.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3156) relates to Allah's will and divine decree: 'Nothing will be written for a soul except what Allah has decreed for it.' Additionally, the Quran 76:30 complements this ayah: 'But you will not will except that Allah wills' (Surah Al-Insan), reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that ultimate control over all outcomes rests with Allah alone, and that faith requires trust in His timing rather than demanding immediate results. For those facing opposition or injustice, it provides reassurance that no human power can prevent Allah's justice, encouraging patience and reliance upon Him.