Juz 27: Adh-Dhāriyāt 31 to Al-Ḥadīd
Section 13 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
13. Allah's Power and Authority Over All Creation
In verses 43-62 of Surah An-Najm, Allah (swt) presents decisive evidence of His supreme authority and power over all creation, establishing His unique divinity and lordship. These verses enumerate Allah's exclusive capabilities that no creature could ever possess, emphasizing His complete control over human emotions, life and death, and the entire creation process.
Allah (swt) begins this passage by declaring His absolute control over fundamental human experiences:
وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ
“And that He is the One who makes (one) laugh and makes (one) weep.”
This verse reveals Allah's dominion over our emotional states. It is He who places joy in our hearts bringing laughter, and He who allows sadness to enter causing tears. These basic human expressions come not from our own control but from Allah's will and decree.
The passage continues with deeper demonstrations of divine power:
وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَمَاتَ وَأَحْيَا
“And that He is the One who gives death and gives life.”
This verse establishes that Allah alone controls the cycle of life and death. No created being can genuinely give life or cause death – these powers belong exclusively to Allah. When the angel of death takes souls, he acts merely as Allah's agent, not through his own power.
Allah (swt) then mentions His complete authority over human creation:
وَأَنَّهُ خَلَقَ الزَّوْجَيْنِ الذَّكَرَ وَالْأُنثَىٰ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ إِذَا تُمْنَىٰ
“And that He created the pairs, male and female, from a drop of semen when it is poured (into the womb).”
This verse draws attention to the miracle of human reproduction. From a small quantity of fluid emerges a complete human being with intricate systems and capabilities. The development from a mere nutfah (drop of fluid) to a fully formed male or female represents one of Allah's most accessible yet profound signs.
Allah (swt) then affirms His power over resurrection:
وَأَنَّ عَلَيْهِ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُخْرَىٰ
“And that the second creation is undertaken by Him (as well).”
Just as Allah created humans initially, He will recreate them for the Hereafter. This verse establishes logical continuity – the One who can create from nothing can certainly recreate what once existed.
The passage continues by highlighting Allah's role as the ultimate Provider:
وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَغْنَىٰ وَأَقْنَىٰ
“And that He is the One who gives wealth and preserves (it).”
Allah (swt) is the source of all prosperity. He enriches whom He wills and causes contentment. The term aqnā indicates both preservation of wealth and satisfaction with what one has – both essential aspects of true enrichment.
The verses then mention Allah's sovereignty over celestial bodies:
وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ رَبُّ الشِّعْرَىٰ
“And that He is the Lord of Sirius (the mighty star).”
By specifically mentioning Sirius (الشِّعْرَىٰ), a star that was worshipped by some Arab tribes, Allah refutes star worship and affirms His lordship over all celestial bodies.
The passage also recalls previous nations who were destroyed:
وَأَنَّهُ أَهْلَكَ عَادًا الْأُولَىٰ وَثَمُودَ فَمَا أَبْقَىٰ وَقَوْمَ نُوحٍ مِّن قَبْلُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا هُمْ أَظْلَمَ وَأَطْغَىٰ
“And that He destroyed the earlier 'Ād, and Thamūd, so He spared none, and (He destroyed) the people of Nūḥ even earlier. Surely they were more unjust and more rebellious.”
These verses remind listeners of Allah's justice in dealing with rebellious nations throughout history. The destruction of 'Ād, Thamūd, and the people of Nūḥ (peace be upon him) serves as a powerful warning against opposing divine guidance.
The surah concludes this section with a profound rhetorical question:
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكَ تَتَمَارَىٰ
“Then concerning which of the bounties of your Lord would you remain in doubt?”
This powerful conclusion challenges humanity to recognize Allah's overwhelming signs and blessings. After presenting such clear evidence of divine power and control, how could anyone remain doubtful of Allah's authority?
These verses establish a comprehensive theological foundation regarding Allah's absolute power, reinforcing the central Islamic principle of tawhid (divine unity) and reminding believers that all aspects of existence—from emotional experiences to life itself—remain under Allah's complete control.