Al-Ikhlas 112:3
The Sincerity · Meccan · Juz 30 · Page 604
He Begets Not, Nor Was Begotten
لَمۡ يَلِدۡ وَلَمۡ يُولَدۡ ٣
He begetteth not nor was begotten.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
He neither begets nor was He begotten.
Insight
According to Elmalılı, begetting is tied to the need of mortal beings, who cannot sustain their own existence, to continue their line. What is a perfection for the mortal is a deficiency for Allah, who unites every perfection in Himself. Allah is not divided, and no part separates from Him.
Reflect
How can you avoid thinking of Allah in human terms?
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›