Does Saying Someone Helps or Protects Me Contradict the Quran (2:107)?
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
Does the verse: “…you have no guardian or helper besides Allah” [Quran, 2:107] means that no human can be a protector or helper, and does saying “someone is helping or protecting me” contradict this verse?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
This verse refers to absolute, non-contingent protection and help. Allah Most High is the sole actor in the world. He alone manifests His Knowledge, Will, and Power in the world. [Qurtubi; al-Jam‘i li Ahkam al-Quran]
What we perceive is the contingent means by which Allah brings about His Will in the world. This is understood as cause and effect. Although we metaphorically say, “So and so is protecting/helping me,” the Believer knows that that person is but a means through which Allah Most High is protecting and helping.
So, in reality, “…you have no guardian or helper besides Allah.” [Quran; 2:107]
Another Meaning
Additionally, the verse can also apply to the Hereafter. In the Hereafter, Allah Most High, alone, can protect and help, as all creation will be rendered incapable of helping another without Allah’s permission.
Allah Most High says about the Day of Judgment,
“…the Day no kith or kin will be of benefit to another whatsoever, nor will they be helped, except those shown mercy by Allah. He is truly the Almighty, Most Merciful.” [Quran; 44:41-2]
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.
There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.
Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.
