ثُمَّ إِذَا شَآءَ أَنشَرَهُۥ 22
Translations
Then when He wills, He will resurrect him.
Transliteration
Thumma idha sha'a ansharah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's power to resurrect and bring back to life those whom He has caused to die. The word 'ansharah' (He will resurrect him) emphasizes Allah's absolute control over life and death, and His ability to restore life after death as He wills. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this in the context of the Day of Judgment, where Allah will resurrect all creation and none can prevent what He decrees.
Revelation Context
Surah 'Abasa is a Meccan chapter addressing the resurrection and the Day of Judgment as core themes of Islamic belief. This particular ayah appears within a passage (80:17-22) discussing the creation of humans from a small drop and the stages of human development, leading to the ultimate truth of resurrection. The context emphasizes that just as Allah created humans initially, He has the power to recreate them after death.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The example of the Day of Resurrection and the time when people will be resurrected is like the example of rain falling on the earth, for from it grow all types of plants.' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, Sahih Bukhari records the Prophet's emphasis that 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good words or remain silent,' reflecting the certainty of resurrection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that death is not an end but a transition, and that Allah's power over creation is unlimited and eternal. It encourages accountability for our actions in this life, knowing that we will be resurrected and judged by our Lord.