Recently, when I shared one of the 99 attributes of Allah in my group, a non Muslim asked me to add yet one more attribute of Allah being a deceiver. When I asked as as to how has he concluded such an unbecoming attribute associated with Allah, he readily quoted the 54th verse of Surah 3.Al-i'Imran given here in under:
وَمَكَرُوۡا وَمَكَرَاللّٰهُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ خَيۡرُ الۡمَاكِرِيۡنَ
The actual and contextual meaning of the verse (3:54) is "Then they schemed (against the Messiah), and Allah countered their schemes by schemes of His own. Allah is the best of schemers."
But it is generally misinterpreted and the word "وَاللّٰهُ خَيۡرُ الۡمَاكِرِيۡنَ" is translated as Allah is the bigger deceiver in the above verse.
Like the objector mentioned above, the verse from Surah Al-Imran (3:54), is often cited for having a dual meaning regarding Allah's role in planning and deception. Let us explain the verse with reference to the context and it will be clear at the end of the explanation that Allah is the best of planners and NOT best of deceivers.
First understand the word Makr that is so confusing to some:
- In the context of the Quran and Islamic teachings: the Arabic word "makr" (مكر) generally refers to "deception, plotting, or cunning," but can also be used to describe God's strategy or plan, often in a way that is beyond human comprehension.
- Here's a more detailed explanation:
- General Meaning: Makr, in modern Arabic, often implies evil plotting or cunning.
- In the Quran: The Quran uses "makr" to describe both human and divine actions, with the context determining the specific meaning.
- Divine Makr: When used in the context of Allah (God), "makr" can refer to Allah's subtle and often hidden plans, which are beyond human understanding.
- Human Makr: When used in the context of humans, "makr" generally refers to deceitful or cunning actions.
- Example: The verse in Al-Anfal:30, "Remember when the disbelievers plotted to imprison, kill or expel you. They plotted, and Allah planned something else, and Allah is the best of planners." (Al-Anfal:30) illustrates how humans plot (makr), but Allah's plan (makr) is superior.
The Context
This verse appears in the context of the story of the plot against Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) by those who sought to kill him. In this particular situation, the enemies of Jesus, having failed to refute his message, decided to deceive the people and crucify him. However, Allah had a different plan. Instead of allowing Jesus to be crucified, Allah raised him up to Himself and instead a man resembling Prophet Isa was caught and subsequently crucified. Thus those who thought they were plotting against him were outwitted by the Divine will.
The Dual Meaning
The dual meaning here revolves around the two concepts:
- Allah as the Best Planner: The verse emphasizes that while humans and disbelievers may have their own plans (in this case, to kill Jesus), Allah's plan supersedes all others. His wisdom and knowledge are perfect, and no matter how much effort people put into their schemes, Allah's plan will always prevail. The verse assures the believers that Allah is in control, and His plan is always the best.
- Allah as the Best Deceiver (in the sense of outwitting): The term "deceiver" (makr) can be interpreted in this context not in the negative sense of dishonesty or evil, but in the sense of outwitting or thwarting the plans of the enemies. In Arabic, "makr" has the connotation of plotting or devising a strategy, which can be used to describe both positive and negative actions, depending on the context. While the enemies were planning to deceive, Allah's plan was superior and outmaneuvered theirs. Allah’s "deception" (makr) here refers to how He thwarted the enemies' plans in a way that was beyond their understanding, showing that human schemes are nothing compared to the infinite power and wisdom of Allah.
- Changing Face:
- It is presumed that the face of man who helped the Romans disclosing the whereabouts of Jesus (sws) in his secluded abode at the mount of olive Jesus was made to resemble Jesus (sws). Consequently, the Jews crucified him and kept on humiliating him. On the other hand, they were not even able to lay hands on Jesus (sws).
- And as for who was crucified, let us read Surat An-Nisā' (The Women) - سورة النساء: And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it.
Contextual Understanding
In Islamic theology, Allah is never seen as engaging in deception or lying in the way that humans do. The concept of "deception" in this context is different from its negative human connotation. It's about outwitting or turning a situation around to fulfill a higher purpose, which is often described as "divine wisdom." The key here is understanding that Allah's "deception" is part of His perfect justice and control, ensuring that the outcome aligns with His will.
And in the very next verse, Allah unfolds his scheme to Jesus:
(3:55) (And it was part of His scheme) when Allah said: 'O Jesus! I will recall you51 and raise you up to Me and will purify you (of the company) of those who disbelieve,52 and will set your followers above the unbelievers till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me you shall return, and I will judge between you regarding what you differed.
This verse thus demonstrates the supremacy of Allah's will and plan, showing that no matter how powerful or clever human schemes may seem, Allah's plan is always the most potent. The dual meanings of "planner" and "deceiver" highlight Allah's ultimate control over all affairs, and that His wisdom will always outshine the efforts of those who seek to oppose His divine plan.
You may now like to watch an informative video explaining the 54th verse of Surah 3. Al' Imran:
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: The Rebuttal: Countering disinformation being spread about Islam (Reference Page)
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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