إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلرُّجْعَىٰٓ 8
Translations
Indeed, to your Lord is the return.
Transliteration
Inna ila rabbika al-rujʿa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the ultimate return and final accountability belong solely to Allah, your Lord. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this statement serves as a powerful reminder of Divine justice and the certainty of the Day of Judgment, counteracting the arrogance of those who deny the afterlife. The ayah concludes Surah Al-'Alaq with a definitive statement that despite human forgetfulness and transgression, all creation will ultimately return to Allah for reckoning.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-'Alaq (Chapter 96) was the first chapter revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This final ayah provides the theological conclusion to the surah's opening emphasis on human creation and accountability, emphasizing that knowledge and ability come from Allah, and all will answer to Him.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 4:54:442 - The Prophet said, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' which relates to the accountability theme. Also relevant: Surah Al-'Alaq 96:15-16 (Sahih Muslim) regarding those who prevent the slave of Allah from praying, showing consequences tied to this return to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that regardless of worldly power or status, all souls will ultimately return to their Creator for judgment, which should inspire conscious living and righteousness. Understanding our inevitable return to Allah cultivates humility, discourages arrogance, and encourages us to prioritize our relationship with the Divine over material pursuits.