Surah Qaf — Verse 29

Word Meanings:

• لَدَيَّ (Ladayya): With Me, in My presence, or in My decree.
• يُبَدَّلُ (Yubaddal): Changed, altered, or substituted.
• ظَلَّامٍ (Dhallaam): One who wrongs or oppresses repeatedly; an unjust punisher.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse is a decisive declaration from Allah Almighty, addressing the doubts and fears of humanity on the Day of Judgment. Allah states: "The word is not changed with Me" — meaning that His decree, His promise, and His warning are absolute and unalterable. What He has ordained — whether reward for the righteous or punishment for the wicked — will come to pass exactly as He has said, with no change, no delay, and no substitution. His word is final and His justice is perfect.

Then Allah adds: "And I am not unjust to the servants." This is a profound reassurance of His perfect fairness. He does not punish anyone for the sins of another, nor does He hold anyone accountable for what they did not do. He does not decrease the reward of the good, nor increase the punishment of the evil beyond what they deserve. Every soul will be recompensed precisely for its own deeds — nothing more, nothing less. The scales of justice on that Day will be perfectly balanced, for Allah is free from all forms of injustice, whether great or small.

This verse carries a powerful message of hope and accountability. It tells the believer that their efforts are never wasted — every good deed is preserved and will be rewarded without any loss. At the same time, it warns the wrongdoer that no excuse, no intercession without permission, and no escape will alter the just outcome. The word of Allah is true, and His promise is certain.

So, dear reader, let this verse fill your heart with tranquility and motivation. Your Lord is not a tyrant who ignores your struggles or overlooks your sincerity. He is the Most Just, the Most Merciful, who has promised that whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it. Stand firm on His path, seek His forgiveness, and trust in His perfect justice — for His word never changes, and His mercy encompasses all things.