Surah Al-Isra 17:111
سُورَةُ الإِسۡرَاءِ · Meccan · Verse 111 of 111
وَقُلِ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًۭا وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ شَرِيكٌۭ فِى ٱلْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّۭ مِّنَ ٱلذُّلِّ ۖ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًۢا
Translation
and say, ‘Praise belongs to God, who has no child nor partner in His rule. He is not so weak as to need a protector. Proclaim His limitless greatness!’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The final verse of Surah Al-Kahf invites us to a profound declaration about Allah, instructing the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to say: "All praise is for Allah Who has not taken a son, nor has He any partner in [His] dominion, nor any protector out of weakness. And magnify Him with [absolute] magnification." This command is a powerful summary of pure monotheism, articulated with specific word choices that unveil deep truths about Allah's unparalleled perfection.
The Call to Praise
The verse begins with the command, "Say, 'All praise is for Allah'" (وَقُلِ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ). Ibn Ashur explains that this phrase doesn't just mean *some* praise, but rather dedicates *all* praise, of every kind, exclusively to Allah. This is because, as al-Zamakhshari notes, only a being with the attributes described next is truly capable of bestowing every conceivable blessing, making Him the sole worthy recipient of all gratitude and commendation. The following negations serve to highlight *why* Allah alone deserves this comprehensive praise.
Three Declarations of Perfection
The verse then makes three crucial declarations, each negating an imperfection often falsely attributed to deities by mankind:
1. "Who has not taken a son" (ٱلَّذِى لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًۭا): Al-Razi beautifully explains the implications of this. The very idea of a child suggests the parent is composed of parts, dependent, and subject to an end, with the child succeeding them. All these are impossible for Allah. Furthermore, having a child might imply a father holding back blessings for his offspring. By negating a son, Allah affirms His absolute self-sufficiency, eternal existence, and limitless generosity, distributing all blessings without restriction.
2. "Nor has He any partner in [His] dominion" (وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ شَرِيكٌۭ فِى ٱلْمُلْكِ): This emphasizes Allah's sole and absolute sovereignty. If there were any partner, al-Razi points out, the rightful recipient of praise and gratitude would be ambiguous, and the perfection of Allah's unique rule would be compromised. His dominion (al-mulk) is singular and complete.
3. "Nor any protector out of weakness" (وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ وَلِىٌّۭ مِّنَ ٱلذُّلِّ): The word "وليّ" (wali) here means a protector or helper. The phrase "مِنَ الذُّلِّ" (min al-dhull) clarifies that this protection isn't sought because of any perceived weakness or vulnerability on Allah's part. As Ibn Ashur and al-Jalalayn note, Allah is too mighty to ever be in need of a helper due to weakness. If Allah needed such assistance, our gratitude to Him might be conditional, or we might question His absolute power. This declaration solidifies His complete independence and invincible strength.
Absolute Magnification
The verse concludes with "And magnify Him with [absolute] magnification" (وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًۢا). The word "تكبيرًا" (takbiran) is a verbal noun, used here for emphasis, as explained by al-Jadwal. It conveys the idea of an absolute and thorough magnification. Al-Razi expands on what this "takbir" entails: it means to believe in Allah's inherent greatness in His very essence, His perfect and flawless attributes, His control over all actions, and the absolute justice of His decrees. It also includes the humble recognition that our minds can never fully grasp the true extent of His majesty. This final command, therefore, is a call to deeply internalize and outwardly express the boundless greatness of Allah, recognizing His flawless perfection that stands unique and supreme.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Isra 17:111 is discussed in 5 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
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