سَنُرِيهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فِى ٱلْـَٔافَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ شَهِيدٌ 53
Translations
We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?
Transliteration
Sanurihim ayatina fil afaqi wa fi anfusihim hatta yatabayyana lahum annahu al-haqq. Awa lam yakfi bi rabbika annahu ala kulli shay'in shahid.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah promises to show the disbelievers His signs in the horizons (the universe) and within their own souls until the truth becomes clear to them, demonstrating His existence and oneness through creation itself. The ayah concludes by questioning whether it is not sufficient that Allah, their Lord, is a witness over all things—emphasizing His complete knowledge and awareness of all matters. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as referring to both the external signs of creation and the internal signs within human nature (fitrah), which testify to the Creator's existence.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears near the end of Surah Fussilat, which emphasizes the clarity and detailed explanation of the Qur'an's message. It is set within the Meccan period when the Prophet ﷺ faced persistent denial from the Quraysh despite presenting clear proofs. The surah's context addresses those who turn away from guidance despite its evident signs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Every child is born upon the fitrah (natural disposition toward monotheism), but his parents make him Jewish, Christian, or Magian' (Sahih Bukhari 1319). This relates to the 'signs within themselves' mentioned in the ayah, referring to the innate human nature that recognizes Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah encourages believers to reflect upon both the external wonders of creation and the marvels within themselves as proofs of Allah's existence, fostering deeper conviction. For those struggling with doubt, it offers assurance that truth will become manifest through sincere reflection on the signs around and within us.