وَٱللَّهُ مِن وَرَآئِهِم مُّحِيطٌۢ 20
Translations
While Allāh encompasses them from behind.
Transliteration
Wa-Allahu min waraihim muhit
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah encompasses and surrounds the disbelievers from behind, meaning His knowledge, power, and control encompass them completely even as they flee from the truth. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this as emphasizing that no one can escape Allah's authority or hide from His awareness—they cannot evade His punishment or His will, regardless of their attempts to resist or deny Him.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Buruj was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution of Muslims. The surah speaks of the Day of Judgment and the fate of those who reject Allah's signs. This particular ayah appears in the context of describing the disbelievers' state and serves as a reminder that despite their apparent power and defiance, they remain wholly within Allah's grasp and dominion.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to Hadith Qudsi: 'My mercy preceded My wrath' (Sahih Bukhari 3194), emphasizing Allah's all-encompassing knowledge. Additionally, the Quranic principle 'There is not a secret consultation of three but He is their fourth' (58:7) reflects the theme of Allah's comprehensive awareness.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's knowledge and power are absolute and inescapable, providing comfort that justice will ultimately prevail, while serving as a stern warning to those who reject faith that they cannot hide from or resist Allah's plan. For the faithful, it reinforces trust in Allah's ultimate control over all affairs.