Surah Al-Kahf 18:23
سُورَةُ الكَهۡفِ · Meccan · Verse 23 of 110
وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَا۟ىْءٍ إِنِّى فَاعِلٌۭ ذَٰلِكَ غَدًا
Translation
do not say of anything, ‘I will do that tomorrow,’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'And never say of anything: I will surely do that tomorrow.' Ibn Ashur and al-Saadi note the command against presuming the future, asserting 'I will do this tomorrow' as though tomorrow were mine to command, mine to guarantee. Ask yourself: I speak of tomorrow, next week, next year with total confidence, planning as if the future were already in my possession. This verse gently punctures that presumption. Not one of my 'tomorrows' is promised or under my control; each is a gift I have not yet been given. It is not a call to stop planning but to stop presuming, to hold my plans with an open hand, knowing they hinge entirely on a will greater than mine. How much of my anxiety and arrogance comes from treating a future I do not own as already mine?
Grounded in classical tafsir: Ibn Ashur, al-Saadi, al-Biqa'i.
Wording
This verse, a profound instruction from Allah, was initially revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as an admonition and a lesson for him and, by extension, for all believers. It came after the Prophet had promised to answer questions about the People of the Cave the next day, without adding "if Allah wills" (in sha Allah). The revelation was delayed, teaching him and us a crucial principle of reliance.
The Scope of "Tomorrow"
The command begins, "And do not say about anything, 'Indeed, I will do that tomorrow'". The phrase "لِشَا۟ىْءٍ" (li shay’in), translated as "about anything," is notably broad. As Ibn Ashur explains, the Arabic particle *lam* (لِ) here indicates purpose or reason, so it means "for the sake of anything you intend to do." The word "shay’" (شيء) itself is highly indefinite, covering every conceivable matter or plan. This means the instruction applies to *any* future action or promise. Similarly, "غَدًا" (ghadan), meaning "tomorrow," is not restricted to the very next day. Commentaries by al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur clarify that "tomorrow" is used metaphorically to refer to any future time, whether near or distant. This careful choice of words emphasizes that all our plans, regardless of their nature or timing, fall under this divine directive.
The Power of "If Allah Wills"
The critical exception follows: "إِلَّا أَنْ يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ" (illa an yasha' Allah), meaning "except if Allah wills." This phrase is not just a polite addition but a fundamental acknowledgment. It means you should not make a definite statement about a future action unless you qualify it with "in sha Allah." Al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur highlight that this exception implies the necessity of uttering the phrase "in sha Allah." This is because our ability to accomplish anything is entirely dependent on Allah's permission and will. The historical context, as explained by al-Razi and Ibn Ashur, reinforces this: the Prophet's temporary lapse in mentioning Allah's will led to a delay in revelation, serving as a powerful lesson that even prophets are reliant on Divine decree.
A Deeper Meaning
This seemingly simple instruction carries deep theological weight. It reminds us of Allah's absolute sovereignty over all events. As al-Razi explains, Allah's will (iradah) is always dominant, and nothing happens in the universe except by His will. Our human plans and intentions, no matter how firm, are subservient to His ultimate power. By saying "in sha Allah," we express humility, acknowledge our limitations, and affirm our complete reliance on our Creator. It reshapes our inner posture from one of assumed control to one of humble submission, fostering a continuous connection with Allah in every aspect of our lives.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Qur'anic Worlds
The powerful command in Surah al-Kahf, verse 23, "And never say of anything, 'Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,' except [when adding], 'If Allah wills,'" is a profound lesson in humility and reliance on the Divine.
A Divine Reminder
This instruction comes directly from Allah, addressing His Beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and, through him, all believers. It is a gentle yet firm teaching, guiding us on how to speak about our future intentions. The plain meaning is clear: when we plan to do something tomorrow or in the future, we must qualify our statement by saying "Insha'Allah" (if Allah wills).
The World of Revelation
The context of this verse sheds light on its deep significance, rooted in the Prophet's own experience. As narrated by scholars like al-Baghawi and Ibn Kathir, the Prophet was once asked by the people of Makkah (or some suggest, the Jews) about three matters, including the intriguing story of the People of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf). Eager to answer, the Prophet stated, "I will inform you tomorrow," but momentarily omitted saying "Insha'Allah." As a result, the divine revelation was delayed for about fifteen days, a powerful lesson for him and for us. This incident, occurring during the Makkan stage of his mission, underscored the absolute sovereignty of Allah even in the smallest details of life and speech. The Companions witnessing this event would have learned firsthand the immense importance of acknowledging Allah's will in every plan, transforming a mere phrase into a heartfelt posture of submission and *tawakkul* (reliance on Allah).
Our Place in Creation
This command compels us to reflect on our limited human understanding in contrast to Allah's infinite knowledge and power. As Sayyid Qutb beautifully articulates, every breath and every moment is contingent upon Allah's will. The future, or *ghayb* (the unseen), is completely hidden from human sight, regardless of how intelligent one might be. al-Razi emphasizes that Allah alone knows what has been, what is, and what will be. Our plans are just aspirations; only Allah knows if they will materialize, or if circumstances will change, or even if we will live to see tomorrow. Therefore, by saying "Insha'Allah," we express our recognition that our ability to act and the unfolding of events are entirely dependent on His divine decree. It is a humble acknowledgment of His ultimate control over all of creation and a shield against arrogance or despair, grounding us in constant reliance upon Him.
Sources: al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Kathir
Worldly Mirror
The Weight of a Word
This verse, Surah Al-Kahf (18:23), carries a profound reminder about the transient nature of our plans and the ultimate sovereignty of Allah. It gently instructs us, "And never say of anything, 'I will do that tomorrow,' except (with the proviso) 'If Allah wills' (وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَا۟ىْءٍ إِنِّي فَاعِلٌ ذَٰلِكَ غَدًا إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ)."
A Lesson for the Prophet
The immediate context of this revelation is particularly poignant. As Israr Ahmad, Ibn al-Jawzi, Tazkirul Quran, and al-Munir explain, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was once asked by the Quraysh, prompted by the Jews, about the story of the People of the Cave. In his eagerness to provide answers, he promised to tell them "tomorrow" without adding "Insha'Allah" (if Allah wills). As a result, revelation was withheld for fifteen days, causing him considerable distress and providing an opportunity for his opponents to mock him. This experience, though challenging for the Prophet, became a timeless lesson for all believers. It underscores that even the most beloved of Allah's creation is held to this divine etiquette, emphasizing that all affairs rest solely on Allah's will.
Cultivating Humility and Reliance
Through this verse, we are invited to cultivate a deep sense of humility. Sayyid Qutb highlights that every breath and movement is subject to Allah's will, and our human intellect is limited in grasping the future. To declare a future action definitively without acknowledging Allah's will is a subtle form of arrogance, overlooking the countless variables and divine decrees that shape outcomes. This isn't an invitation to passivity, but rather, as Sayyid Qutb clarifies, a call to robust planning with a constant awareness that success is ultimately a grant from Allah. This perspective fosters inner strength, confidence, and peace, preventing both pride in success and despair in failure.
Trust in All Endeavors
For us, in our daily lives, this means consciously connecting our intentions and plans, whether personal goals, family commitments, or community projects, to Allah's overarching plan. It's a recognition that while we exert effort, the ultimate outcome is in His hands. This practice strengthens our reliance on Allah, known as *tawakkul*, integrating it into the very fabric of our speech and thought. The verse continues, as explained by al-Muyassar, with a profound extension: "And remember your Lord when you forget, and say, 'Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer to righteousness than this.'" This teaches us, as al-Munir notes, to instantly rectify our forgetfulness by remembering Allah's will and seeking His guidance. It's an invitation to an ongoing spiritual diagnosis of our hearts, prompting repentance, hope, and renewed action, knowing that Allah's wisdom often far surpasses our limited vision.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Kahf 18:23 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Kahf 18:23 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.