كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍ 26
Translations
Everyone upon it [i.e., the earth] will perish,
Transliteration
Kullu man 'alayha fan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms the absolute transience of all creation on earth—every living being without exception will perish and taste death. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a definitive statement of the inevitable mortality of all creatures, emphasizing that only Allah's Face (Wajh) remains eternal, as mentioned in the preceding ayah (55:27). This serves as a profound reminder of the temporary nature of worldly existence and the certainty of the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rahman is a Medinan chapter that emphasizes Allah's countless blessings and attributes of mercy alongside themes of accountability and the inevitability of death and resurrection. This particular ayah appears within a section (55:26-28) that contrasts the transience of creation with the eternity of Allah, reinforcing core Islamic beliefs about the afterlife and divine sovereignty.
Related Hadiths
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Remember frequently the destroyer of pleasures—death' (Tirmidhi 2307). Additionally, the hadith 'The best of you are those who remember death most' (Ibn Majah 4258) echoes the thematic emphasis of this ayah on mortality as a means to spiritual purification.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to detach from material pursuits and worldly vanities by recognizing the inevitable end of all earthly existence, redirecting focus toward eternal spiritual values and preparation for the afterlife. It serves as a humbling reminder that wealth, status, and beauty are all temporary, encouraging sincere devotion to Allah alone.