Surah Al-An'am — Verse 17

Word Meanings:

• Yamsaska (يَمْسَسْكَ): To touch or afflict you; to reach you.
• Bi-Durr (بِضُرٍّ): With harm, hardship, adversity, or affliction — such as poverty, illness, or loss.
• Kāshif (كَاشِف): One who removes, dispels, or takes away.
• Bi-Khayr (بِخَيْرٍ): With good, blessing, or well-being — such as wealth, health, or prosperity.
• Qadīr (قَدِيرٌ): All-Powerful, Capable of everything without any limitation.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O human being, reflect deeply on this profound truth: if Allah — in His infinite wisdom — allows any form of harm to touch you, whether it be poverty, sickness, grief, or any hardship, then know with absolute certainty that no one in the entire universe has the power to remove it except Him alone. No medicine, no wealth, no influential person, no clever strategy can lift that affliction unless Allah Himself wills it. This is not to discourage you from seeking means, but to anchor your heart firmly in the reality that the ultimate Disposer of all affairs is Allah — the One who created you, knows your every need, and holds the keys to every outcome.

And conversely, if Allah touches you with good — with health, abundance, peace, or joy — then no force on earth can prevent it, no enemy can block it, and no power can withhold His bounty. For He is Al-Qadīr, the All-Powerful, whose command over all things is absolute and effortless. He gives and takes, He raises and lowers, He heals and afflicts — and every single act of His is steeped in wisdom and mercy.

This verse teaches you a beautiful and liberating lesson: your heart should never cling to created beings or material means, for they are merely instruments in the Hand of the Creator. Instead, turn your trust wholly to Allah. When hardship strikes, know that He alone can relieve it — so call upon Him with sincerity and patience. When blessings flow, know that He alone granted them — so thank Him with humility and generosity. In both states, you are always in His care, and His power over everything is your ultimate comfort and hope.

Let this certainty fill your heart with tranquility: nothing can harm you except what Allah has decreed, and nothing can benefit you except what Allah has granted. So live your life with trust in Him, gratitude for His favors, and unwavering hope in His mercy — for He is indeed capable of all things, and His wisdom encompasses every situation you will ever face.