يَعْلَمُ مَا يَلِجُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهَا وَمَا يَنزِلُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا يَعْرُجُ فِيهَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلرَّحِيمُ ٱلْغَفُورُ 2
Translations
He knows what penetrates into the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein. And He is the Merciful, the Forgiving.
Transliteration
Ya'lamu ma yaliju fi al-ardi wa ma yakhruju minha wa ma yanzilu min al-sama'i wa ma ya'ruju fiha wa huwa al-Rahimu al-Ghafur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute knowledge of all things that enter and exit the earth (such as rain, plants, minerals, and living creatures) and all that descends from the heavens and ascends therein (angels, commands, prayers). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this comprehensive knowledge demonstrates Allah's complete dominion over creation and His perfect awareness of every detail in the universe. The conclusion with 'the Most Merciful, the Most Forgiving' connects this infinite knowledge to Allah's compassionate application of His power, assuring believers that His all-knowing nature serves mercy rather than punishment.
Revelation Context
Surah Saba is a Meccan surah primarily addressing the disbelievers' denial of resurrection and divine power. This ayah appears in a section establishing Allah's attributes and sovereignty as a response to those who rejected the Prophet's message. It emphasizes that Allah's knowledge transcends human perception, addressing the Meccan polytheists' doubts about divine omniscience.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah knows what every soul will earn' (Quran 14:34, thematically related). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet emphasized that 'There is nothing hidden from Allah in the heaven or on earth,' reinforcing the concept of divine omniscience presented in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that no action, intention, or circumstance escapes Allah's knowledge, which should inspire both accountability and comfort—accountability for our deeds and comfort in knowing that the All-Knowing is also the Most Merciful. For modern readers, it encourages trust in divine wisdom during uncertainty and sincerity in devotion, knowing that Allah's knowledge encompasses all our needs and circumstances.