42. Ash-Shura (Consultation)

Mecca Period 53

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

اللَّهُ لَطِيفٌ ...

42: 19. Gracious is Allah

C4552. Latif so kind, gracious, and understanding, as to bestow gifts finely suited to the needs of the recipients.

For the various meanings of Latif, see n. 2844 to 22:63.

Cf. also 12:100.

... بِعِبَادِهِ ...

to His servants:

C4553. "Servants" here seems to include all men, just and unjust, for Allah provides for them all.

... يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاء...

He gives Sustenance to whom He pleases:

C4554. Sustenance, i.e., provision for all needs.

"To whom He pleases" is not restrictive, but modal, 'Allah provides for all, but His provision is according to His wise Will and Plan, and not according to people's extravagant demands.' He can provide for all, because He has complete power and can carry out His Will.

A further comment will be found in the next verse.

...وَهُوَ الْقَوِيُّ العَزِيزُ ﴿١٩﴾

and He has Power and can carry out His Will.

Asad’s Version:

42:19

GOD is most kind unto His creatures: He provides sustenance for whomever He wills - for He alone is powerful, almighty!