يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۗ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ ٱلْأُمُورُ 76
Translations
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them. And to Allāh will be returned [all] matters.
Transliteration
Ya'lamu ma bayna aydihim wa ma khalfahum wa ilallahi turja'u al-umur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute knowledge of all things—both past and future, and all matters in between—emphasizing His complete omniscience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'what is before them' (al-mustaqbal) refers to the future, while 'what is behind them' (al-madi) refers to the past, demonstrating that nothing escapes Allah's awareness. The final clause reminds humanity that ultimately all affairs return to Allah for judgment and resolution, reinforcing His sovereignty and ultimate authority over creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the context of Surah Al-Hajj (Medinan), which discusses the pilgrimage and divine guidance. It comes in a passage emphasizing Allah's attributes and knowledge, particularly in relation to human actions and accountability on the Day of Judgment. The broader surah addresses believers and disbelievers regarding the signs of Allah and the reality of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The concept connects to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The most perfect of believers in faith are those who are best in conduct,' emphasizing that Allah knows all our actions. Additionally, Surah Al-Alaq (96:9-10) relates thematically: 'Does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered, and what is in the hearts is made known—indeed, their Lord, that Day, is fully aware of them.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize that Allah's knowledge encompasses all aspects of their lives—past, present, and future—which should inspire consciousness of Him (taqwa) in all actions. The reminder that all matters ultimately return to Allah provides comfort and reassurance that justice will be served, encouraging believers to trust in Divine wisdom rather than worry about worldly outcomes.
Related Ayahs
لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهُوَ ٱلْغَنِىُّ ٱلْحَمِيدُ
To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on the earth. And indeed, Allāh is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ وَلَا نَبِىٍّ إِلَّآ إِذَا تَمَنَّىٰٓ أَلْقَى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ فِىٓ أُمْنِيَّتِهِۦ فَيَنسَخُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ ثُمَّ يُحْكِمُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]. But Allāh abolishes that which Satan throws in; then Allāh makes precise His verses. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.
ذَٰلِكَ وَمَن يُعَظِّمْ شَعَـٰٓئِرَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّهَا مِن تَقْوَى ٱلْقُلُوبِ
That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols [i.e., rites] of Allāh - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.
ٱلَّذِينَ أُخْرِجُوا۟ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِم بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ إِلَّآ أَن يَقُولُوا۟ رَبُّنَا ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَٰمِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَٰتٌ وَمَسَـٰجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ كَثِيرًا ۗ وَلَيَنصُرَنَّ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَقَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ
[They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, "Our Lord is Allāh." And were it not that Allāh checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allāh is much mentioned [i.e., praised]. And Allāh will surely support those who support Him [i.e., His cause]. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and Exalted in Might.