ٱلَّذِى يَرَىٰكَ حِينَ تَقُومُ 218
Translations
Who sees you when you arise
Transliteration
Alladhee yara-ka heen taqoom
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's perfect knowledge and observation of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his night prayers and standing in worship. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this verse emphasizes Allah's complete awareness of the Prophet's devotion and sincere worship, which occurred in the pre-dawn hours when few others were awake. The ayah highlights the intimate relationship between Allah and His messenger, assuring the Prophet that his private acts of worship are witnessed and valued by the Almighty.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Shu'ara, which addresses the Prophet's concerns about the disbelievers' mockery and opposition. It comes after verses describing how Allah will support the Prophet, and it reassures him that despite public ridicule, Allah observes his sincere devotion and dedication to worship during the night, which was characteristic of the Prophet's practice throughout his life.
Related Hadiths
Hadith in Sahih Muslim where Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the Prophet's night prayers and his standing in worship for extended periods, reflecting the reality described in this ayah. Also related to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari about the Prophet's tahajjud (night prayer) practice as an example of devotion.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah's awareness of our sincere efforts and private worship is a source of comfort and motivation, reminding us that our devotion is never hidden from the Creator even when unobserved by others. We should strive to worship with the consciousness that Allah sees all our actions and intentions, using this awareness to maintain consistency and sincerity in our faith.
Related Ayahs
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَى ٱلطَّيْرِ فَوْقَهُمْ صَـٰٓفَّـٰتٍ وَيَقْبِضْنَ ۚ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۭ بَصِيرٌ
Do they not see the birds above them with wings outspread and [sometimes] folded in? None holds them [aloft] except the Most Merciful. Indeed He is, of all things, Seeing.
وَرَبُّكَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَلَقَدْ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ زَبُورًا
And your Lord is most knowing of whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].
وَإِنَّ كُلًّا لَّمَّا لَيُوَفِّيَنَّهُمْ رَبُّكَ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
And indeed, each [of the believers and disbelievers] - your Lord will fully compensate them for their deeds. Indeed, He is Aware of what they do.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓئِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّمَمَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٰسِعُ ٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ ۚ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِى بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۖ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰٓ
Those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, only [committing] slight ones. Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness. He was most knowing of you when He produced you from the earth and when you were fetuses in the wombs of your mothers. So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.