أَيَحسَبُ أَن لَن يَقدِرَ عَلَيهِ أَحَدٌ

Does he suppose that no one will ever have power over him?

EXEGESIS

This statement is apparently a reference to man’s weakness before God regarding punishment and retaliation.^{‎[1]Safi, 5/330.} Man is thus being asked to ponder about whether he can escape from God’s punishment when he sins or commits evil acts.^{‎[2]Tabrisi, 10/748; Tibyan, 10/351.}

Based on one’s preferred interpretation of the previous verse, the pronoun he could either be referring to man in general, or the disbelievers amongst them, or a specific individual.

EXPOSITION

This verse acts as a consequent of the argument mentioned in the previous verse. Since man’s creation is shrouded in struggles, he never reaches his desires, and his determinations will always be overpowered. He can never attain more than that which has been ordained for him. In such a situation man should realise his weakness and not act arrogantly in front of God, for everything has been determined by Him and it is only through His will and permission that man may do what he wants.^{‎[3]Mizan, 20/291.}

The generality of this verse indicates that it addresses all groups of people who think they are strong enough in front of God; those who think they are strong enough to sin and get away with it, those who are wealthy and think no one can take their wealth away from them, as well as those who think that no one will hold them accountable for their actions.^{‎[4]Amthal, 20/208.}

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

According to Qatādah, having power over him means: Does this rich man think that he will not be questioned about the source of his wealth and where he spent it?^{‎[5]Tibyan, 10/351.}

According to Rāzī, some say this verse is addressing those who reject the resurrection, and therefore the object of the verb have power (yaqdiru) would be resurrection, and the meaning would be: Does he suppose that no one has the power to bring him back to life?^{‎[6]Razi, 31/167.}

In light of the next verse, it has also been said that the addressee of the verse is the proud, rich man who believes no one can take away his wealth.^{‎[7]Tibyan, 10/351.}

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

1. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.^{‎[8]Psalms 10:6.}
2. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.^{‎[9]Psalms 10:11.}

[1] Safi, 5/330.
[2] Tabrisi, 10/748; Tibyan, 10/351.
[3] Mizan, 20/291.
[4] Amthal, 20/208.
[5] Tibyan, 10/351.
[6] Razi, 31/167.
[7] Tibyan, 10/351.
[8] Psalms 10:6.
[9] Psalms 10:11.