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
كُلَّمَآ أَرَادُوٓا۟ أَن يَخْرُجُوا۟ مِنْهَا مِنْ غَمٍّ أُعِيدُوا۟ فِيهَا وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ
Every time they want to get out of it [i.e., Hellfire] from anguish, they will be returned to it, and [it will be said], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!"
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَآ أَوْ ءَاذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۖ فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى ٱلْأَبْصَـٰرُ وَلَـٰكِن تَعْمَى ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلَّتِى فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ
So have they not traveled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.
لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَنَـٰفِعُ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ مَحِلُّهَآ إِلَى ٱلْبَيْتِ ٱلْعَتِيقِ
For you therein [i.e., the animals marked for sacrifice] are benefits for a specified term; then their place of sacrifice is at the ancient House.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلْنَـٰهُ لِلنَّاسِ سَوَآءً ٱلْعَـٰكِفُ فِيهِ وَٱلْبَادِ ۚ وَمَن يُرِدْ فِيهِ بِإِلْحَادٍۭ بِظُلْمٍ نُّذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
Indeed, those who have disbelieved and avert [people] from the way of Allāh and [from] al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, which We made for the people - equal are the resident therein and one from outside - and [also] whoever intends [a deed] therein of deviation [in religion] by wrongdoing - We will make him taste of a painful punishment.