Surah Al-Qalam — Verse 18

Word Meanings:

• لَا يَسْتَثْنُونَ — They did not make an exception, meaning they did not say "If Allah wills" (إن شاء الله) when swearing their oath. In Arabic, this is called *al-istithnā'* — linking one's intention or action to the will of Allah.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse continues the story of the owners of the garden, who swore an oath among themselves to harvest all its fruits early in the morning, determined to keep the poor and needy from sharing in its bounty. They were so resolute in their plan that they did not qualify their oath with the phrase "If Allah wills" — a phrase that acknowledges human limitation and submits all plans to the will of the Almighty. Their omission was not merely a slip of the tongue; it reflected a heart filled with arrogance and self-reliance, as though they had full control over their affairs and needed no divine permission. They forgot that every breath, every fruit, and every outcome is subject to Allah's decree. This small verbal omission revealed a deep spiritual flaw: the illusion of absolute independence from Allah. And so, as the following verses show, their garden was destroyed overnight — a stark reminder that when a servant turns away from Allah in pride, the very blessings they cling to can be taken away in an instant.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this profound lesson. How often do we make plans — for our studies, our careers, our families — without uttering a single word of reliance upon Allah? We say, "I will do this tomorrow," "I will achieve that," and we forget that tomorrow is not ours to command. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to say, "If Allah wills," not as a mere ritual, but as a living acknowledgment that Allah is the Turner of hearts, the Controller of destinies, and the Only One who grants success. This simple phrase is a shield of humility, a key to barakah (blessing), and a sign of true faith. When you say "إن شاء الله," you align your will with the Will of Allah, and you open the door to His mercy and protection. Let this verse inspire you to weave the remembrance of Allah into every plan, every hope, and every dream. For the one who relies on Allah is never abandoned, and the one who forgets Him is left to face the consequences of his own pride. Embrace this beautiful teaching, and watch how Allah transforms your life with peace, security, and divine support.