Surah Al-Anbiya — Verse 17

Word Meanings:

• Lahw (لَهْوًا): Here it refers to a child or a spouse, as these are often described as sources of diversion and amusement in human life.
• Min ladunnā (مِن لَّدُنَّا): From Our own presence or from what is with Us—i.e., from the highest, most perfect sources, not from the creation.
• In kunnā fāʿilīn (إِن كُنَّا فَاعِلِينَ): If We were ever to do such a thing—but this is a conditional that is impossible in reality.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse strikes at the heart of a false notion that some people once held—and still hold—about Allah, may He be exalted. They claimed that He could have a child or a partner, just as humans take spouses and offspring for comfort and amusement. Allah, the Glorious, refutes this utterly by declaring: If We had ever desired to take something for diversion—like a child or a companion—We would have taken it from Our own presence, from the most perfect and exalted beings, such as the heavenly maidens (ḥūr), the angelic servants, or the purest of creations, not from the weak and imperfect human realm. But the truth is that We never did such a thing, nor could We ever do it, because it is absolutely impossible and unbefitting of Our majesty and perfection. The verse closes with the phrase "if We were ever to do so"—a conditional that is never fulfilled, because the very premise is impossible for the One who is Self-Sufficient, Eternal, and Free of all need.

This verse is a powerful reminder of Allah's absolute transcendence. He is not like His creation in any way. He does not need a child to continue His existence, nor a partner to assist Him, nor a companion to comfort Him. He is Al-Aḥad (The One), As-Ṣamad (The Self-Sufficient Master whom all creatures need, and who needs none). The idea of Him having a son or a wife is a grave error that diminishes the understanding of His perfection. When the polytheists of Makkah and others made such claims, Allah responded with this decisive and clear negation, teaching humanity that the Creator is far above any human attributes of need, weakness, or desire for amusement.

A Daʿwah Reflection:

Dear reader, ponder deeply on the greatness of this verse. It purifies your heart from any false image of Allah and elevates your understanding of Him. When you know that your Lord is absolutely free from any need, you realize that your worship is not for His benefit—He is rich beyond any need of your devotion—but for your own salvation and growth. This knowledge fills the heart with love and awe: love for a Lord who is perfect in every way, and awe of a Creator who is far beyond any comparison. Let this verse strengthen your faith and protect you from the whispers of those who distort the truth about Allah. Indeed, the Quran is a light that guides to the straight path, and this verse is one of its radiant gems. Embrace it, and let it draw you closer to the One who created you, sustains you, and deserves all your gratitude and worship.