قَالَ فَإِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ 37
Translations
[Allāh] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved
Transliteration
Qala fa-inna ka mina al-munzareen
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah grants Iblis respite until the Day of Judgment in response to his request for delay. This ayah demonstrates Allah's justice and wisdom in allowing Iblis time to prove his claim that humans are unworthy of honor, while also establishing that this respite has a predetermined end on the Day of Resurrection. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this reflects Allah's perfect knowledge and the fulfillment of His decree regarding the test of humanity through temptation.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Iblis's expulsion from Allah's mercy after refusing to prostrate to Adam. The context spans 15:28-44, detailing the creation of Adam, the angels' prostration, Iblis's arrogance, and his subsequent requests. This passage was revealed in Mecca and illustrates the cosmic reality of good versus evil and the nature of divine testing.
Related Hadiths
The broader narrative is referenced in Sahih Muslim and other collections regarding the creation of Adam and the angels' prostration. Hadith literature emphasizes that Iblis's respite until the Day of Judgment is part of Allah's established decree, as mentioned in various Quranic commentaries and prophetic traditions about the final hour.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah permits evil and temptation as a test of faith, but with full knowledge and control of all affairs, establishing that ultimate accountability belongs to the Divine. It encourages vigilance against Iblis's whispers while maintaining trust that Allah's justice will ultimately prevail.
Related Ayahs
وَكَانُوا۟ يَنْحِتُونَ مِنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا ءَامِنِينَ
And they used to carve from the mountains, houses, feeling secure.
إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْوَقْتِ ٱلْمَعْلُومِ
Until the Day of the time well-known."
وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكَ ٱللَّعْنَةَ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ
And indeed, upon you is the curse until the Day of Recompense."
فَأَسْرِ بِأَهْلِكَ بِقِطْعٍ مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱتَّبِعْ أَدْبَـٰرَهُمْ وَلَا يَلْتَفِتْ مِنكُمْ أَحَدٌ وَٱمْضُوا۟ حَيْثُ تُؤْمَرُونَ
So set out with your family during a portion of the night and follow behind them and let not anyone among you look back and continue on to where you are commanded."