Surah Al-Qalam 68:25
سُورَةُ القَلَمِ · Meccan · Verse 25 of 52
وَغَدَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ حَرْدٍۢ قَٰدِرِينَ
Translation
they left early, bent on their purpose-
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The verse "وَغَدَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ حَرْدٍۢ قَٰدِرِينَ" (And they went out early, intending to prevent, perceiving themselves as capable) captures a pivotal moment in the story of the owners of the garden. Here, Allah is describing the actions and mindset of these individuals who decided to deny the poor their rightful share of the harvest. This account serves as a profound parable, holding lessons for all who might be tempted by ingratitude and pride.
The Morning Intent
The word "وَغَدَوْا۟" means "they went out early in the morning." This immediately paints a picture of their eagerness and determination. They set out before dawn, stealthily, to execute their plan to harvest the garden's fruits without the poor knowing, as the Ayah Context makes clear. Their early start speaks volumes about their dark intention, moving with a resolve fueled by avarice.
The Nuance of "Hard" (حَرْدٍ)
The key to unlocking deeper meaning in this verse lies in the word "حَرْدٍ" (hardin). Scholars have offered rich insights into its various layers of meaning. Al-Razi, for instance, identifies three primary interpretations, each contributing to our understanding of the owners' state of mind:
1. Prevention or Withholding: This is a prominent meaning, as noted by al-Jalalayn, who explains "حَرْدٍ" as "man` lil-fuqara`" (prevention of the poor). It implies a deliberate act of denying others their due, akin to how a year might withhold rain or a camel might withhold milk, as al-Razi and al-Zamakhshari explain. Their journey was fueled by the intent to prevent the needy from accessing the garden's bounty.
2. Strong Intention and Haste: "حَرْدٍ" can also signify a strong, determined purpose accompanied by speed and vigor. They rushed towards their goal with enthusiasm, focused on their scheme.
3. Anger or Rancor: Some scholars also derive "حَرْدٍ" from a root meaning "غضب" (anger). This suggests they might have harbored resentment towards the poor, perhaps viewing them as an inconvenience or an unjust burden on their wealth.
Ibn Ashur highlights the profound eloquence (the *nuktah* or subtlety) in choosing this specific word, as all these meanings coalesce to depict the garden owners' wicked resolve. Their "early morning" (غدوا) was not just a physical act but a movement driven by an intense desire to withhold, a swift and perhaps angry determination.
The Illusion of "Capable" (قَادِرِينَ)
The word "قَادِرِينَ" (qadirin), meaning "capable" or "able," is used in a subtly ironic way here. The Ayah Context states they were "in their claim, at the peak of capability to execute it." They *perceived* themselves as capable of carrying out their plan of prevention, of successfully denying the poor. Al-Razi and al-Jalalayn both emphasize this self-perception, noting their capability was "in their own estimation" (عند أنفسهم وفي ظنهم).
Ibn Ashur points out that using "capable" for such a nefarious act carries a sarcastic tone (*tahakkum*). The very idea of being "capable of preventing" is a twisted notion of power. True capability, in its praiseworthy sense, is usually reserved for overcoming genuine challenges or achieving noble goals. Their "capability" was directed towards a morally corrupt act, and ultimately, Allah showed them they were not capable even of securing their own ill-gotten gains. They believed they were masters of their fate, yet their perceived strength led only to their downfall, making their "capability" a mockery of their hubris. Their eager morning departure, filled with determination to withhold, was met by a Divine decree that rendered them utterly powerless over their own ambition.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Qalam 68:25 is discussed in 4 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
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