هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّآ أَن يَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى ظُلَلٍ مِّنَ ٱلْغَمَامِ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ ۚ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ 210
Translations
Do they await but that Allāh should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels [as well] and the matter is [then] decided? And to Allāh [all] matters are returned.
Transliteration
Hal yanzuruna illa an ya'tiyahumu-Allah fi zulal min al-ghimam wa-al-mala'ikah wa-qudiya al-amr wa-ila Allah turja'u al-umur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses those who reject faith, asking if they are waiting for nothing less than Allah Himself to come to them with clouds and angels—a reference to the Day of Judgment when all matters will be decided. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as describing the final hour when Allah's command will be executed and there will be no escape or delay. The ayah emphasizes that all affairs ultimately return to Allah, making rejection of faith a futile stance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Al-Baqarah's discussion of those who reject the signs of Allah despite clear evidence. It is part of a broader Medinan passage addressing the doubts and delays of disbelievers who demand extraordinary proof, reminding them that the ultimate proof will come on the Day of Judgment when it will be too late for repentance.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) described the descent of Jesus son of Mary and the Hour approaching relates thematically to divine intervention. Additionally, numerous ahadith about the signs of the Hour and Allah's dominion over all affairs connect to this ayah's message about inevitable divine judgment.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that those who reject clear signs and demand extraordinary proof will eventually face undeniable evidence when it is too late to benefit from faith. It serves as a reminder that all human affairs, whether accepted or rejected, ultimately rest in Allah's hands, encouraging believers to accept guidance while it is available in this life.