مَّا تَسْبِقُ مِنْ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلَهَا وَمَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ 5
Translations
No nation will precede its term, nor will they remain thereafter.
Transliteration
Mā tasbiqu min ummatin ajalahā wa mā yastakhirūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that no nation or community can advance the appointed term (ajal) of its lifespan, nor can it delay it beyond what Allah has decreed. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this is a universal principle of divine decree—each community has a fixed lifespan determined by Allah, and neither their actions nor their wishes can alter this predetermined term. The verse underscores human powerlessness over the grand scheme of divine providence, reinforcing complete reliance (tawakkul) on Allah's wisdom.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hijr is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam when the Quraysh were intensely hostile toward the Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim community. This ayah appears in the context of warnings to earlier nations and reassurance to the believers that Allah controls all affairs, including the duration of nations and communities. It served to comfort Muslims facing persecution by reminding them that the fate of their enemies rests with Allah alone.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The lifespan of this Ummah (community) is between 1,000 to 1,200 years' (a hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah and other collections). Additionally, 'No soul can die except at the appointed term' (Quran 3:145, closely related thematically).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that while we must strive and work earnestly in our endeavors, ultimate control of outcomes—including the rise and fall of nations—belongs solely to Allah. It cultivates spiritual surrender and peace of heart by reminding us that worrying about matters beyond our control contradicts trust in Allah's perfect wisdom and justice.