Transliteration:( Yu'azzibu many yashaaa'u wa yarhamu many yashaaa'; wa ilaihi tuqlaboon )
"He punishes whom He pleases [45] and shows mercy on whom He pleases, and you are to return only to Him."
This verse emphasizes Allah's absolute authority over punishment and mercy. He may punish any sinful believer out of justice, and He may forgive anyone out of His boundless mercy.
Included within this are even the Prophets and those guaranteed salvation—not in the sense of doubt about their forgiveness, but to illustrate that mercy or punishment is entirely subject to Allah's will, not human assumption.
However, it is important to note that this verse does not include disbelievers, as forgiveness for disbelief is categorically denied unless they repent and believe before death. Likewise, it does not imply that Allah could act unjustly or falsely (may Allah forbid). The verse speaks of occurrence, not possibility of contradiction or falsehood.
Thus, this is a statement of divine reality, not an opening for speculation about Allah’s perfection or trustworthiness.
The final part—"you are to return only to Him"—is a powerful reminder that every soul shall be judged by Allah alone, making it crucial to live with consciousness of His mercy and justice.
The tafsir of Surah Ankabut verse 21 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Ankabut ayat 19 which provides the complete commentary from verse 19 through 23.
(29:21) He chastises whom He will and forgives whom He will. To Him all of you will be sent back.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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