سُوْرَةُ الْجِنِّ

Surah Al-Jinn (72) — Ayah 21

The Jinn · Meccan · Juz 29 · Page 573

قُلْ إِنِّى لَآ أَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا رَشَدًا ﴿21﴾
Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to the Right Path."
قُلْ qul Say
إِنِّى innī Indeed, I
لَآ (do) not
أَمْلِكُ amliku possess
لَكُمْ lakum for you
ضَرًّۭا ḍarran any harm
وَلَا walā and not
رَشَدًۭا rashadan right path

Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

(Ayah 21){ قُلْ اِنِّيْ لَاۤ اَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ … :} In this verse, Allah Almighty has commanded the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to make a clear proclamation that he (peace and blessings be upon him) is neither the owner of benefit nor harm for others, nor does he possess the authority of guidance or misguidance. In comparison to {’’ ضَرًّا ‘‘}, {’’نَفْعًا‘‘} and in comparison to {’’ رَشَدًا ‘‘}, {’’غَيًّا‘‘} have been omitted, because those words are self-evident.
At another place, this proclamation has been commanded that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) does not even possess authority over his own benefit or harm. (See A'raf: 188) And at several places, it has been clearly stated that those who are called upon besides Allah do not possess even an atom's weight of authority. (For example, see Saba: 22; Fatir: 13) Even after such clarity, if anyone considers the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) or other prophets and saints as owners of benefit and harm along with Allah Almighty, then he himself should reflect on how much value he has given to Allah Almighty and His command.

Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

21. 1. That is, I do not have the authority over your guidance or misguidance, or any other benefit or harm; I am only His servant whom Allah has chosen for revelation and prophethood.

Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.

21. Say: I do not possess any power to harm [19] you or to bring you any good.

[19] I have only this much authority, that I convey to you people what is revealed to me from Allah. If you accept it, then surely there is benefit for you in it. But it is not within my power to guide you to the right path, nor, if you do not accept, to cause you any harm. All benefit and harm is in His control alone.