Surah Al-Hajj — Verse 76

Word Meanings:

• مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ (what is before them): refers to the future — all that lies ahead of creation, including what will happen to them after their death and until the Day of Judgment.
• وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ (what is behind them): refers to the past — everything that has already occurred, including their states before their creation.
• تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ (all matters are returned): meaning all affairs, decisions, and final outcomes are brought back to Allah alone, especially on the Day of Resurrection.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah, Glorified and Exalted, possesses absolute and perfect knowledge that encompasses all times and realms. He knows what is before His messengers — whether angels or humans — meaning the future that awaits them, including their deeds, their fates, and the rewards or punishments that will follow. He also knows what is behind them — their past, their previous states, and everything they have already done or experienced, even before they were brought into existence. Nothing is hidden from His knowledge, whether it occurred in the distant past or will occur in the distant future.

This verse comes after Allah’s mention of His choosing messengers from among the angels and from among mankind, affirming that His choice is based on perfect knowledge — He knows who is truly worthy of this noble mission, for He sees and hears all things. Then the verse concludes with a profound truth: "And to Allah all matters are returned." This means that the final destination of every affair — whether great or small — is to Allah alone. On the Day of Judgment, all creation will return to their Lord, and He will judge between them with perfect justice, rewarding the righteous and recompensing the wrongdoers according to their deeds.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse fills the believer’s heart with tranquility and hope. When you know that Allah is fully aware of your past — with all its mistakes and shortcomings — and fully aware of your future — with all its uncertainties and challenges — you realize that you are never alone. He who knows your beginning and your end is the One who will guide you through the middle. And when you understand that all matters ultimately return to Allah, you find peace in delegating your affairs to Him, trusting His wisdom, and submitting to His decree. Let this knowledge inspire you to live each moment with sincerity, knowing that your Lord sees you, knows your struggles, and will bring everything to a just and beautiful conclusion. Turn to Him now, before the day when all matters are returned to Him, and make your return to Him a return of love, repentance, and hope.