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
وَجَـٰهِدُوا۟ فِى ٱللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِۦ ۚ هُوَ ٱجْتَبَىٰكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّىٰكُمُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِى هَـٰذَا لِيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ
And strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He [i.e., Allāh] named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakāh and hold fast to Allāh. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ وَأَنَّهُۥ يُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَأَنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
That is because Allāh is the True Reality and because He gives life to the dead and because He is over all things competent
وَكَأَيِّن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ أَمْلَيْتُ لَهَا وَهِىَ ظَالِمَةٌ ثُمَّ أَخَذْتُهَا وَإِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
And for how many a city did I prolong enjoyment while it was committing wrong. Then I seized it, and to Me is the [final] destination.
۞ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٰفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ خَوَّانٍ كَفُورٍ
Indeed, Allāh defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allāh does not like everyone treacherous and ungrateful.