وَمَا قَدَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْضُ جَمِيعًا قَبْضَتُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ مَطْوِيَّـٰتٌۢ بِيَمِينِهِۦ ۚ سُبْحَـٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ 67
Translations
They have not appraised Allāh with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be [within] His grip on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.
Transliteration
Wa maa qadaru Allaaha haqqa qadrihi wa-l-ardu jameeaan qabdatuhu yawma-l-qiyaamati wa-s-samaawaatu matwiyyaatun bi-yameenihi. Subhanaahu wa taAAala Amma yushrikun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that humanity has failed to recognize Allah's true greatness and majesty—He alone possesses absolute power over all creation. On the Day of Resurrection, the entire earth will be in His grip, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand, demonstrating His infinite might and control over all existence. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a vivid description of the Day of Judgment meant to inspire awe at Allah's power and refute any notion of partnership with Him.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Az-Zumar, a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam when polytheism was widespread. The broader context addresses the rejection of Allah's oneness and the false beliefs of the Quraysh, using descriptions of the Last Day and Divine power to call people to proper recognition of Allah's magnitude and uniqueness.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the Day of Judgment: 'The sun will be brought near to the creatures on the Day of Resurrection so close that the distance between it and them will be like a mile' (Sahih Bukhari 4854). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim describes how 'the heavens will be rolled up' as mentioned in various Quranic verses including this one.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers to cultivate true God-consciousness by recognizing the incomparable greatness of Allah, not merely in intellectual understanding but in heart and action. It should inspire humility and awe, motivating us to avoid all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and to align our lives with His will.