وَنَرَىٰهُ قَرِيبًا 7
Translations
But We see it [as] near.
Transliteration
Wa narahu qariban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Day of Judgment appearing near or close, emphasizing its imminence from Allah's perspective, though its exact time remains hidden from creation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as a warning that despite the length of time in worldly perception, the Day of Judgment is drawing near in Divine reckoning, serving as a call to preparedness and accountability. The proximity mentioned here is relative to Allah's eternal nature—what seems distant to humans is near to the All-Knowing Creator.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Ma'arij was revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period and addresses the disbelievers' mockery of the Hereafter and divine punishment. This ayah appears within the context of describing the Day of Judgment and those who witness it, reinforcing the central Meccan theme of warning about the certainty and nearness of the Last Day despite skeptics' derision.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder' (Sahih Bukhari 4/161). Additionally, 'I have been sent at the time of the Hour when it is about to come' (Sahih Muslim), emphasizing the closeness of the Day of Judgment from the time of the Prophet's mission.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to view worldly life with perspective, recognizing that the Hereafter is drawing near regardless of how distant it may seem, thus motivating righteous deeds and spiritual preparation in the present moment.
Related Ayahs
وَأَنذِرِ ٱلنَّاسَ يَوْمَ يَأْتِيهِمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ فَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَخِّرْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ نُّجِبْ دَعْوَتَكَ وَنَتَّبِعِ ٱلرُّسُلَ ۗ أَوَلَمْ تَكُونُوٓا۟ أَقْسَمْتُم مِّن قَبْلُ مَا لَكُم مِّن زَوَالٍ
And, [O Muḥammad], warn the people of a Day when the punishment will come to them and those who did wrong will say, "Our Lord, delay us for a short term; we will answer Your call and follow the messengers." [But it will be said], "Had you not sworn, before, that for you there would be no cessation?
فَلَنَقُصَّنَّ عَلَيْهِم بِعِلْمٍ ۖ وَمَا كُنَّا غَآئِبِينَ
Then We will surely relate [their deeds] to them with knowledge, and We were not [at all] absent.
وَنَجَّيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَكَانُوا۟ يَتَّقُونَ
And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allāh.
وَأَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْمَشْـَٔمَةِ مَآ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْمَشْـَٔمَةِ
And the companions of the left - what are companions of the left?