وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَقْبَلُ ٱلتَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَعْفُوا۟ عَنِ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ 25
Translations
And it is He who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.
Transliteration
Wa huwa alladhi yaqbalu at-tawbata 'an 'ibaadihi wa ya'fu 'ani as-sayyiaat wa ya'lamu maa taf'alun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that Allah is the One who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons evil deeds, while simultaneously possessing complete knowledge of all their actions. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that this verse combines two divine attributes—mercy and justice—demonstrating that Allah's acceptance of tawbah is not out of ignorance but with full awareness of the servant's condition and sincerity. The verse serves as both an encouragement for those seeking forgiveness and a reminder that nothing is hidden from Allah's knowledge.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ash-Shuraa, a Meccan chapter that addresses fundamental Islamic beliefs and divine attributes. Within the surah's context of consultation and divine governance, this verse emphasizes Allah's mercy as a central attribute, particularly relevant to the Meccan audience being called to faith and transformation through sincere repentance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than one of you would be pleased with the recovery of his lost camel in the desert' (Sahih Muslim 2744). Additionally, 'Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him' (Sahih Muslim 2703), reinforcing the theme of Allah's eagerness to accept genuine repentance.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah offers profound hope to believers: no sin is too great for Allah's mercy if accompanied by sincere repentance, yet it also instills accountability by reminding us that Allah fully knows our intentions and deeds. Modern readers should find courage in Allah's readiness to forgive while maintaining consciousness that divine knowledge is all-encompassing, fostering both hope in mercy and mindfulness in conduct.