Is Allah The Best of Makarin?

وَمَكَرُوۡا وَمَكَرَ اللّٰهُ ​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ خَيۡرُ الۡمَاكِرِيۡنَ

They plotted, and Allah plotted, and Allah is the best of plotters.

The phrase "Allah is the best of makirin" (often translated as "best of planners," "best of schemers," or "best of plotters") appears in the Quran in [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:54] and [Surah Al-Anfal 8:30].

According to the Quran and Islamic scholarly interpretation, this attribute does not mean Allah engages in deceit or dishonesty, but rather signifies His absolute supreme wisdom and ability to turn the evil plans of others into justice and success for the believers. Here is the true meaning according to the Quran:

1. Context: A Response to Evil Plots

The Arabic word makr (derived from m-k-r) means a hidden plan, strategy, or maneuver. When used for humans in the Quran, it is frequently used for evil, deceitful conspiracies. However, when applied to Allah, it is a counter-move against those who commit injustice.

Surah 3:54: "And they (the disbelievers) plotted, and Allah planned too. And Allah is the best of planners" (referring to the plot against Jesus, where Allah saved him and raised him to heaven).

Surah 8:30: "And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad) ... they plot, but Allah also plots; and Allah is the best of plotters" (referring to the plot to kill or exile Prophet Muhammad).

2. The Difference Between Human and Divine Makr

Scholars emphasize that Allah's actions are perfect and just. While human plotting can be malicious, Allah's "plotting" is a means of saving the innocent and upholding truth.

Praiseworthy vs. Blameworthy:

Makr can be either, depending on the purpose. Allah's makr is always for a good purpose.

Justice, Not Dishonesty: Allah is not a "deceiver" in the sense of lying; He is the "Truth" (Al-Haqq). His "planning" refers to His omniscience—outmaneuvering evil schemes, often in ways humans cannot immediately understand.

3. Key Takeaways from the Phrase

Ultimate Control: No matter how sophisticated a plan is made against truth or goodness, Allah's plan will always prevail.

Protection for Believers:

The verse provides comfort that Allah protects His messengers and believers, thwarting the hidden traps set by others.

The Powerless of Human Plotting:

The Quran explains that evil plots eventually bring destruction only upon the perpetrators themselves: "But the evil plot does not encompass except its own people" (Quran 35:43).

In summary, "Allah is the best of makirin" means Allah is the supreme disposer of affairs whose strategic planning perfectly nullifies evil schemes and ensures the success of justice.

However, if we really had to talk about who the real deceiver is, the Bible clearly shows the evidence:

• Titus 1:2 states that God "does not lie." Then God says this truth;  
• Ezekiel 14:9: "If a prophet is enticed to speak a message, I, the Lord, have deceived that prophet .... "