لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ 4
Translations
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.
Transliteration
Lahū mā fī as-samāwāti wa-mā fī al-arḍi wa-huwa al-ʿAlīyu al-ʿAẓīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute ownership and sovereignty over all creation in the heavens and earth, establishing His complete dominion and control over all existence. The two divine names 'Al-ʿAlīy' (The Most High) and 'Al-ʿAẓīm' (The Most Great) emphasize His supreme transcendence and unmatched grandeur. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this ownership is not merely possession but includes complete authority, wisdom, and governance over all affairs.
Revelation Context
Surah Ash-Shuraa, revealed in Mecca during the early Islamic period, addresses the fundamental beliefs of Islamic monotheism (Tawheed). This ayah appears in the opening section establishing Allah's attributes and serves as a foundational principle throughout the surah's discussion of divine consultation and wisdom.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most excellent name of Allah is that by which He has named Himself' (Sunan An-Nasai). Related also to the hadith emphasizing tawheed: 'Whoever dies knowing that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah shall enter Paradise' (Sahih Muslim 93).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize their dependence on Allah and surrender all worldly attachments, knowing that ultimate ownership and control belong only to Him. It should instill humility and gratitude while removing pride and arrogance, as recognizing Allah's supreme greatness naturally leads to submission and righteous conduct.