إِن كُلُّ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّآ ءَاتِى ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ عَبْدًا 93
Translations
There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.
Transliteration
In kullu man fee as-samawati wal-ardi illa ati ar-Rahmani abda
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms the absolute servitude of all creation to Allah, the Most Merciful, stating that everyone in the heavens and on earth will come to Him as a servant on the Day of Judgment. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes Allah's complete dominion and sovereignty—no one escapes His ownership, whether they acknowledge it in this life or not. The phrase "except as a servant to the Most Merciful" (illa ati ar-Rahmani abda) underscores that even those who reject Allah's lordship in this world will ultimately submit to His will, either willingly or unwillingly.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Maryam, a Meccan surah that addresses the Quraysh's disbelief and their denial of Allah's oneness. The verse responds to polytheistic claims about intermediaries and false deities by asserting that all beings, without exception, belong exclusively to Allah and will be held accountable before Him. It is part of a broader passage (19:85-98) discussing the Day of Judgment and the ultimate return to Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The most excellent of you are those who are the most excellent to their families, and I am the best among you to my family" (Tirmidhi). While not directly about this ayah, it relates to the theme of servitude—true servitude to Allah manifests in how we serve and honor those entrusted to us. Also relevant: "Everyone is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock" (Sahih Bukhari), emphasizing accountability before Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true freedom and dignity lie in conscious, willing servitude to Allah alone, rather than in worldly pretense or rebellion. It serves as a humbling reminder that regardless of status, wealth, or power in this life, all humanity will stand equal before Allah on the Day of Judgment, answerable for their deeds.