إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْوَقْتِ ٱلْمَعْلُومِ 81
Translations
Until the Day of the time well-known."
Transliteration
Ila yawm al-waqt al-ma'lum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the respite granted to Iblis (Satan) until the Day of Judgment, the appointed time known only to Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that Allah granted Satan's request for delay in punishment until the Day of Resurrection as a test for humanity, demonstrating divine wisdom in allowing free will and trial in this worldly life. This delay serves as a means for believers to prove their faith through resisting temptation and evil whispers.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the dialogue between Allah and Iblis in Surah Sad, where Satan requests respite after his disobedience in refusing to prostrate to Adam. The context is part of the Meccan period's emphasis on tawhid (monotheism), the reality of the afterlife, and Allah's complete control over all affairs, including the timeline of judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When Allah created the heavens and the earth, Iblis said: By Your might, I will lead all your servants astray except Your sincere slaves.' (Tirmidhi). Also relevant is the hadith about the respite granted to Iblis in various collections discussing the nature of Satan's trial.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that worldly trials and Satan's temptations are divinely permitted tests with a definite end on the Day of Judgment, encouraging patience and reliance on Allah's wisdom rather than despair, and emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance during our appointed time on earth.