True Might in Islam: Seeking Power Through Obedience to Allah – Insights from Surah Faatir 39:10

Understanding True Might in Islam: A Deep Dive into Surah Faatir 39:10

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) frequently reminds us of His sovereignty over all things, including power, might, and authority. A clear and profound reflection of this is found in Surah Faatir, where Allah says:

“Whoever desires might, then all might belongs to Allah” (Surah Faatir 39:10).

This verse is a powerful declaration about the nature of might and the source from which it is derived. In this verse, Allah directs us to understand that true might and power are not found in worldly positions or external alliances, but in the recognition and worship of Him alone.

Seeking Might Through Obedience to Allah

When interpreting this verse, scholars have drawn a deep connection between the pursuit of might and the need to seek it through obedience to Allah. As noted in the Tafsir of al-Tabari, the great scholar Qatadah said about this verse:

“So seek might through obeying Allah.” (Tafsir al-Tabari, 20/445)

This simple yet profound statement underscores an essential concept in Islam: the might that is truly worth striving for is not the fleeting might that comes from power over others or material wealth, but the might that stems from submission to the will of Allah. To be powerful in the eyes of Allah is to live a life grounded in obedience, righteousness, and the pursuit of His pleasure. This is the only kind of might that leads to eternal success in both this life and the hereafter.

The Might Belongs to Allah Alone

The verse in Surah Faatir serves as a reminder of the ultimate source of all power: Allah (SWT) alone. He is the Creator of all that exists, the One who commands the heavens and the earth. There is no might, no power, no honor except that which He bestows. Whether in terms of spiritual strength or material success, it all originates from Allah.

This concept is further reinforced in the tafsir of Ibn Kathir, who explains:

“Meaning: whoever would love to be mighty in both this life and the next should cling to obeying Allah because that is what will let him reach that goal. That is because Allah is the owner of both this life and the next and all might belongs to Him.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 6/537)

In this commentary, Ibn Kathir links might with the worship of Allah. He points out that the might that is truly beneficial is not the fleeting might that one may gain through wealth, status, or alliances, but the enduring might that comes from the obedience to Allah’s commands and the submission to His will.

Allah’s Ownership of Might in Both Realms

It is important to note that the might Allah speaks of in this verse applies not only to the material world but also to the spiritual realm. Allah is the Sovereign of both this world and the Hereafter. In both realms, He is the sole possessor of all power and strength. Thus, seeking might through obedience to Allah ensures that a person will be strengthened not only in this temporary life but also in the everlasting life of the Hereafter.

In a world where individuals often seek power through control over others, it is essential to remember that true might does not lie in dominion over people or wealth. Rather, it lies in the submission to the will of Allah, in recognizing that all power, honor, and strength are in His hands.

The Futility of Seeking Might from Others

In another verse from the Qur’an, Allah warns against seeking might from those who do not possess it:

“Those who take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers – do they seek might through them? All might belongs to Allah.” (Surah an-Nisa, 4:139)

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that those who turn to worldly powers or alliances outside the bounds of faith for strength are misguided. They may believe that they are gaining power by aligning themselves with others who appear strong, but in reality, they are seeking a temporary and illusory form of might. True might cannot be found in alliances with those who do not acknowledge Allah’s sovereignty. Instead, it lies in the bond of faith with Allah and His believers, who are united in the worship of the One True God.

Might Through Faith: An Example from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Throughout the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we see countless examples of how true might is attained through faith and obedience to Allah, even in times of apparent weakness or difficulty. Despite being persecuted, insulted, and driven out of Makkah, the Prophet (PBUH) never resorted to worldly means of seeking power. Instead, he relied on Allah alone for strength and success. His might lay in his unwavering trust in Allah, his commitment to justice, and his dedication to his mission.

The greatest manifestation of this power was seen in the conquest of Makkah. Despite years of persecution, the Prophet (PBUH) entered Makkah victorious with humility and mercy, showing that the might of a true believer lies not in domination or revenge, but in submission to Allah’s will.

The True Meaning of Might in Islam

Islam teaches us that might is not simply physical strength or the ability to overpower others; it is about righteousness, justice, and sincerity in worship. The might of a believer is in their ability to withstand trials with patience, in their commitment to the truth, and in their submission to Allah’s will. This kind of might is lasting and eternal, while worldly might is temporary and fleeting.

The might that Allah promises to those who seek it through obedience is not the same as the power people often pursue through wealth, status, or military strength. It is the might that comes from faith, from an unwavering belief in the One who controls the universe. This kind of might brings peace of heart, strength in faith, and honor in both this world and the Hereafter.

Conclusion: The Path to True Might

In conclusion, the verse from Surah Faatir and its interpretation by scholars such as al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir remind us that all might belongs to Allah (SWT). Those who desire true might must seek it through obedience to Him, for He is the ultimate source of all strength and power. The pursuit of might through worldly means, through alliances with the disbelievers, or through reliance on temporary and material resources, is futile. True power comes from faith, from submission to Allah, and from standing firm in righteousness. It is this kind of might that will not only give us success in this life but will also lead to eternal success in the Hereafter.

May we all be guided to seek might through obedience to Allah, and may He grant us the strength to remain steadfast in our faith.