Tafsir of Fatir 35:17

Surah Fatir (35): Verse 17

Original Text Analysis & Translation:

Translation: And that is not difficult/impossible for Allah.

Scholarly Discussion (Based on Al-Razi's approach):

Here we address a linguistic issue concerning the attribute Al-'Aziz (The Mighty/Inaccessible).

1. Usage for Self-Subsistence (Necessary Being): Allah (Exalted is He) uses Al-'Aziz to describe Himself as self-sufficient and inherently powerful, as in:
   • {And Allah was ever All-Mighty, All-Powerful} (referring to His essence).
   • {Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Forgiving} (in this very Surah).

2. Usage for Actions/Events (Contingent Matters): He also uses it concerning matters that are contingent upon Him (i.e., actions He performs or events He decrees), such as:
   • {And that is not difficult/impossible for Allah} (referring to the bringing forth and taking away of life).
   • {Grievous to him is what you suffer} (referring to the suffering of the believers).

The Question: Are these two usages (self-subsistence vs. contingent action) synonymous, or do they carry two distinct meanings?

The Answer:

In the Arabic lexicon, 'Aziz fundamentally means dominant or overcoming (غالب). It is said: ‘azza fulanun (so-and-so became dominant/victorious).

• When applied to Allah Himself (as in His essence), Al-'Aziz means He is absolutely dominant and cannot be overcome.
• When applied to an action or event (as in وما ذلك على الله بعزيز), it means that action does not overcome or defeat Allah; rather, it is easy (هين) for Him.
• When applied to the suffering of the believers (عزيز عليه ما عنتم), it means that suffering causes Him distress and pain, similar to a burden that is overwhelming to a person (i.e., it weighs heavily upon His concern for them).

Translation: No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another. And if a heavily laden one calls out to have its load carried, nothing thereof shall be carried, even if (the one called upon) is a near relative. You can only warn those who fear their Lord unseen and establish the prayer. And whoever purifies himself, he purifies himself for his own soul. And to Allah is the final destination.