ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ 1
Translations
[All] praise is [due] to Allāh, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and to Him belongs [all] praise in the Hereafter. And He is the Wise, the Aware.
Transliteration
Al-hamdu lillahi alladhi lahu ma fi as-samawati wa ma fi al-ardi wa lahu al-hamdu fi al-akhirah wa huwa al-hakimu al-khabir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Saba declares that all praise belongs to Allah alone, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and earth, both in this life and the Hereafter. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse establishes Allah's absolute ownership and sovereignty over all creation, while His attributes of Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise) and Al-Khabeer (The All-Aware) assure believers that His dominion and knowledge are perfect and comprehensive. Al-Qurtubi notes that the repetition of praise in both worlds underscores the eternal nature of Allah's deserved glorification.
Revelation Context
Surah Saba is a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Da'wah, addressing the polytheists of Mecca who associated partners with Allah. This opening verse serves as a powerful refutation of shirk (polytheism) by asserting Allah's exclusive ownership and worthiness of praise, setting the thematic foundation for the surah's arguments about monotheism and divine justice.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best supplication is 'Alhamdulillah' (All praise is due to Allah)' - related in Tirmidhi. Additionally, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet would say various forms of praise to Allah in all circumstances, embodying the principle established in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize Allah's absolute ownership of all things as a source of comfort and trust in Divine Providence—whatever occurs in this world or the next is under Allah's perfect wisdom and comprehensive knowledge. For modern readers, it encourages surrendering anxieties to Allah and beginning every endeavor with sincere praise and acknowledgment of His authority.