إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ مُنتَهَىٰهَآ 44
Translations
To your Lord is its finality.
Transliteration
Ila Rabbika muntahaha
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah concludes the discussion about knowledge of the Hour (Day of Judgment), emphasizing that its ultimate knowledge and decision rest entirely with Allah alone. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as a definitive statement that no creature—whether angel, prophet, or human—possesses knowledge of when the Hour will occur, as this knowledge terminates and belongs exclusively to the Lord. The phrase serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and divine omniscience.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Nazi'at's discussion of the Day of Judgment and the reality of resurrection. It directly responds to the implied question of when the Hour will come by establishing that such knowledge is beyond human reach and belongs only to Allah. This thematic context reinforces the Meccan period's emphasis on monotheism and the certainty of the Afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Five things are with Allah alone; no one knows them except Him,' and then recited Surah Luqman 31:34 which includes the knowledge of the Hour. (Sahih Bukhari 4707). Additionally, the Prophet stated: 'The most truthful of you in speech are those who refrain from asking about the Hour.' (Related by scholars as a thematic parallel to this ayah's message).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to accept the boundaries of human knowledge with humility and to trust in Allah's wisdom regarding the unseen. Rather than speculating about the timing of the Hour, believers should focus on spiritual preparation and righteous deeds, recognizing that certainty of the Afterlife—not its timing—is what matters for faith and practice.