يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۗ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ 76
Translations
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them. And to Allāh will be returned [all] matters.
Transliteration
Ya'lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum wa ilallahi turja'u al-umur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute knowledge of all things—both past and future, and all matters in between—emphasizing His complete omniscience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'what is before them' (al-mustaqbal) refers to the future, while 'what is behind them' (al-madi) refers to the past, demonstrating that nothing escapes Allah's awareness. The final clause reminds humanity that ultimately all affairs return to Allah for judgment and resolution, reinforcing His sovereignty and ultimate authority over creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the context of Surah Al-Hajj (Medinan), which discusses the pilgrimage and divine guidance. It comes in a passage emphasizing Allah's attributes and knowledge, particularly in relation to human actions and accountability on the Day of Judgment. The broader surah addresses believers and disbelievers regarding the signs of Allah and the reality of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The concept connects to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The most perfect of believers in faith are those who are best in conduct,' emphasizing that Allah knows all our actions. Additionally, Surah Al-Alaq (96:9-10) relates thematically: 'Does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered, and what is in the hearts is made known—indeed, their Lord, that Day, is fully aware of them.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize that Allah's knowledge encompasses all aspects of their lives—past, present, and future—which should inspire consciousness of Him (taqwa) in all actions. The reminder that all matters ultimately return to Allah provides comfort and reassurance that justice will be served, encouraging believers to trust in Divine wisdom rather than worry about worldly outcomes.
Related Ayahs
يَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُۥ وَمَا لَا يَنفَعُهُۥ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلضَّلَـٰلُ ٱلْبَعِيدُ
He invokes instead of Allāh that which neither harms him nor benefits him. That is what is the extreme error.
أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَسْجُدُ لَهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ وَٱلنُّجُومُ وَٱلْجِبَالُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ وَٱلدَّوَآبُّ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلْعَذَابُ ۗ وَمَن يُهِنِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّكْرِمٍ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۩
Do you not see [i.e., know] that to Allāh prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allāh humiliates - for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allāh does what He wills.
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦ ۗ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلرِّجْسَ مِنَ ٱلْأَوْثَـٰنِ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ قَوْلَ ٱلزُّورِ
That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allāh - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord. And permitted to you are the grazing livestock, except what is recited to you. So avoid the uncleanliness of idols and avoid false statement,
ثُمَّ لْيَقْضُوا۟ تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْيُوفُوا۟ نُذُورَهُمْ وَلْيَطَّوَّفُوا۟ بِٱلْبَيْتِ ٱلْعَتِيقِ
Then let them end their untidiness and fulfill their vows and perform ṭawāf around the ancient House."