إِنَّ إِلَيْنَآ إِيَابَهُمْ 25
Translations
Indeed, to Us is their return.
Transliteration
Inna ilaina iyabahum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that all human beings will ultimately return to Allah for judgment and accountability. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret 'iyabahum' (their return) as referring to the resurrection and the final reckoning, emphasizing that despite human arrogance and heedlessness in this life, none can escape the divine judgment. The ayah serves as a powerful reminder of mankind's ultimate destination and Allah's complete sovereignty over all affairs.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Ghashiyah is a Meccan surah that emphasizes the reality of the Day of Judgment and divine accountability. This particular ayah comes near the conclusion of the surah and reinforces the central theme that regardless of people's state in this world (whether in comfort or hardship), their final return is inevitably to Allah for judgment, providing comfort to believers and warning to disbelievers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'All of you will be gathered barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised before Allah' (Sahih Bukhari 3340), which relates to the certainty of return to Allah. Additionally, the Quran states in Surah At-Tariq (86:8): 'The Day when secrets will be tested' (Sahih Muslim), reinforcing themes of final accountability.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah encourages believers to recognize that all worldly pursuits and distractions are temporary, and that the ultimate purpose of life is accountability before Allah. It serves as a spiritual motivator to live with consciousness of divine judgment (taqwa) and to prioritize eternal consequences over temporary worldly gains.