وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَمَا خَلْفَكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ 45
Translations
But when it is said to them, "Beware of what is before you and what is behind you; perhaps you will receive mercy..."
Transliteration
Wa-idha qeela lahumu ittaqoo ma bayna aydikum wa ma khalfakum laallakum turhamoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the disbelievers' response when warned to fear Allah regarding their present deeds and their future consequences. The phrase 'what is before you and what is behind you' refers to the worldly sins and their inevitable accountability before Allah on the Day of Judgment. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that despite this clear warning of mercy through taqwa (God-consciousness), these people turn away and reject the message, exemplifying the stubbornness of those whose hearts Allah has sealed.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ya-Sin's broader theme of warning the disbelievers of Mecca about the consequences of rejecting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the message of monotheism. The surah addresses the rhetorical arguments and excuses made by the polytheists when confronted with clear signs and divine warnings.
Related Hadiths
Related to the concept of taqwa, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Taqwa is here, taqwa is here' (pointing to the chest) - Sahih Muslim. Also relevant is the hadith: 'The most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character' - Jami' at-Tirmidhi, emphasizing that God-consciousness leads to righteous conduct.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah offers mercy and compassion to those who practice taqwa and are mindful of their deeds—both present actions and their future reckoning. For modern believers, it serves as a reminder that true protection lies not in worldly pursuits but in God-consciousness, and that every action has consequences that we must account for before our Lord.