Surah Yasin — Verse 66

Word Meanings:

• لَطَمَسْنَا (We would have obliterated/effaced): wiping out the sight entirely, leaving the eyes present but sightless.
• عَلَىٰ أَعْيُنِهِمْ (upon their eyes): covering or destroying their vision.
• فَاسْتَبَقُوا الصِّرَاطَ (then they would race to the path): rushing forward to find the way.
• فَأَنَّىٰ يُبْصِرُونَ (then how could they see?): a rhetorical question meaning they would be utterly unable to see.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse strikes at the heart of human arrogance and self-reliance. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) reminds the disbelievers of Quraysh—and indeed all of humanity—that their ability to see, to move, and to navigate this world is not a self-earned right, but a continuous gift from the Almighty. He says: *"And if We willed, We could have obliterated their eyes, then they would race to the path, but how could they see?"*

The meaning is profound: had Allah willed, He could have wiped out their sight entirely—leaving them with eyes that see nothing. In that state, they would desperately scramble to find the path, rushing forward in confusion, but it would be utterly impossible for them to perceive the way. The rhetorical question *"how could they see?"* leaves no room for doubt: they would be completely lost, stumbling in darkness.

This is not merely a physical illustration; it is a spiritual metaphor. Just as Allah could blind their physical eyes, He could also seal their hearts and minds from perceiving the truth—just as He sealed their mouths earlier in the chapter. The verse serves as a stern warning: if Allah had willed, He could have left them in perpetual misguidance, with no hope of ever finding the straight path. Yet, out of His mercy, He did not do so. He gave them the ability to see, to reason, and to choose.

The deeper lesson for every believer is one of profound gratitude and humility. Every glance you take at the world, every step you make toward goodness, every moment you perceive the truth of Islam—all of it is a mercy from Allah that could be withdrawn in an instant. So do not take your sight for granted, and more importantly, do not take the light of faith in your heart for granted. Let this verse awaken in you a sense of dependence on Allah, and a deep thankfulness that He has opened your eyes to His signs, while so many others remain blind to them. Praise Him, and use your sight to see His greatness in every corner of creation.