Juz 25: Fuṣṣilat 47 to Al-Jāthiyah
Section 2 of 20 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
2. Knowledge of the Hour and Signs in Creation | Verses: Fussilat 41:47-54
In concluding verses of Surah Fussilat, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala addresses the absolute nature of His knowledge, particularly regarding the Hour (the Day of Judgment) and all aspects of creation:
إِلَيْهِ يُرَدُّ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَمَا تَخْرُجُ مِن ثَمَرَاتٍ مِّنْ أَكْمَامِهَا وَمَا تَحْمِلُ مِنْ أُنثَىٰ وَلَا تَضَعُ إِلَّا بِعِلْمِهِ
“To Him alone is referred the knowledge of the Hour. And no fruits come out of their sheaths, nor does a female conceive or deliver except with His knowledge. (41:47)”
Allah establishes that knowledge of the Day of Judgment is exclusively His domain. While Allah has revealed signs preceding the Hour, its exact timing remains hidden from creation. This verse connects this ultimate knowledge with Allah's comprehensive awareness of even the most minute details of existence - from fruits emerging from their coverings to every conception and birth throughout creation. The verse establishes that nothing occurs without Allah's complete knowledge and permission.
This theme of Allah's absolute knowledge transitions to a profound warning about those who associate partners with Him:
وَيَوْمَ يُنَادِيهِمْ أَيْنَ شُرَكَائِي قَالُوا آذَنَّاكَ مَا مِنَّا مِن شَهِيدٍ
“And on the Day when He will call them: "Where are My partners?" They will say, "We declare to You that none of us bears witness to that (that they are Your partners)." (41:47)”
On the Day of Judgment, Allah will question the polytheists about their alleged "partners" they associated with Him. In that moment of truth, these false deities will vanish, leaving the disbelievers without support. These verses remind us that our deeds and beliefs have consequences, and false beliefs that seem reasonable in this world will be exposed as utterly baseless in the Hereafter.
Allah then emphasizes how He will continue to reveal signs supporting the truth of the Quran and Islam:
سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ
“We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves, until it becomes manifest to them that it is the truth. (41:53)”
This profound verse establishes two primary sources of divine signs: the external universe (āfāq) and within human beings themselves. Allah promises to continue revealing evidence of His truth both in the macrocosm of creation and in the microcosm of human physiology and psychology. These verses, revealed over 1400 years ago, have continued to manifest their truth as humanity has advanced in scientific understanding of both the universe and human biology. Billions of Muslims throughout history have recognized these signs and embraced Islam as a result.
The section concludes with a warning against doubt concerning the meeting with Allah, reminding humanity that Allah encompasses all things with His knowledge. The verse serves as a profound reminder that ultimate reality will be established and that Allah's awareness extends to everything in creation.