لَهُۥ مَقَالِيدُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيَقْدِرُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ 12
Translations
To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. He extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. Indeed He is, of all things, Knowing.
Transliteration
Lahu maqaaleedu as-samawati wa-al-ardi yabastutu ar-rizqa liman yashaa wa-yaqdir. Innahu bi-kulli shay'in aleem.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute sovereignty over the heavens and earth, symbolized by the 'keys' (maqalid) which represent complete control and dominion. Allah distributes sustenance (rizq) to whom He wills in abundance (yabasut) or restriction (yaqdir), according to His infinite wisdom and knowledge. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari emphasize that this divine prerogative is a manifestation of Allah's perfect knowledge ('aleem) of what benefits each creation, establishing that provision is not arbitrary but based on divine wisdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ash-Shuraa, a Meccan chapter revealed during a period when the Prophet faced opposition and economic pressures. The surah addresses fundamental theological concepts including divine unity and sovereignty, themes particularly important for early Muslims facing hardship and uncertain sustenance, providing reassurance of Allah's complete control over all affairs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'O Allah, there is no ease except that which You make easy, and You make difficulty easy if You will it.' (Ibn Hibban). Additionally, Surah Ad-Dhaariyat 58-59 contains the related hadith qudsi emphasizing Allah's knowledge of provision: 'And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that anxieties about sustenance should be redirected toward trust in Allah's knowledge and wisdom rather than mere material effort, as provision ultimately stems from divine decree. It encourages acceptance of differing circumstances among people, understanding that Allah's distribution of wealth reflects His perfect knowledge of what serves each person's spiritual and worldly benefit.