Surah Az-Zumar — Verse 4

Word Meanings:

• لَّوْ أَرَادَ (If He had willed): A hypothetical condition expressing impossibility in reality.
• لَّاصْطَفَىٰ (He would have chosen): Selected and preferred from among His creation.
• سُبْحَانَهُ (Glory be to Him): Declaration of His absolute transcendence and purity from any imperfection or deficiency.
• الْقَهَّارُ (The Subduer): The One who dominates and overpowers all things with His might and will.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse strikes at the very heart of a false claim made by some polytheists and misguided groups who alleged that Allah had taken a son—whether they meant angels, Jesus (peace be upon him), or others. Allah responds with a logical and powerful argument that dismantles this notion entirely.

If Allah—glorified and exalted—had truly desired to have a child, His absolute power and wisdom would have led Him to choose from among His own creation whatever He pleased. He would not have been restricted to any particular being, nor would He have needed a spouse or a partner to bring forth offspring. He could simply create whatever He willed, whenever He willed, and designate it as a son if that were His intention. The very fact that He did not do so—and instead revealed that He has no son—proves that this is not part of His nature or His will.

Then the verse declares: "Glory be to Him!" This is a profound statement of Allah's transcendence. He is far above and utterly free from the need for a child, a partner, or any associate. Such attributes belong to created beings who require offspring to continue their existence or to fulfill their desires. Allah, the Eternal, the Self-Sufficient, has no such need.

The verse concludes with two of His most magnificent names: "He is Allah, the One, the Subduer." He is *Al-Wāḥid*—the One who is unique in His essence, His attributes, and His actions. There is nothing like Him, and no one shares in His divinity. He is *Al-Qahhār*—the Supreme Subduer who has absolute dominance over all of creation. Everything in the heavens and the earth submits to His will, whether willingly or unwillingly. Every creature, every force, every being is under His control and power.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, contemplate the greatness of this verse. It invites you to recognize the perfection of Allah's nature. He is not like His creation—He does not need a son, nor does He share His dominion with anyone. The claim that Allah has a child diminishes the very concept of His oneness and greatness.

When you truly understand that Allah is *Al-Wāḥid* and *Al-Qahhār*, your heart finds peace. You realize that you worship a God who is self-sufficient, all-powerful, and utterly unique. This knowledge frees you from false beliefs and draws you closer to the pure, untainted message of Islam: *Lā ilāha illa Allah*—there is no god but Allah.

Let this verse strengthen your conviction. The One who created you, sustains you, and controls your every breath deserves your complete devotion. He is the One who hears your prayers, knows your struggles, and responds to your call. Submit to Him alone, and you will find true success in this life and the next.