Surah Al-Adiyat 100:7
سُورَةُ العَادِيَاتِ · Meccan · Verse 7 of 11
وَإِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ لَشَهِيدٌۭ
Translation
and He is witness to this––
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wisdom
The Quran in Surah Al-Adiyat speaks profoundly about human nature, setting the stage by describing humanity's tendency towards ingratitude in verse six. Then comes verse seven: وَإِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ لَشَهِيدٌۭ (And indeed, he is a witness to that). This short, powerful statement carries a profound dual meaning that invites us to ponder our innermost selves and our relationship with our Creator.
The Inner Witness
Scholars like al-Saadi and Wahba al-Zuhayli point out that the pronoun "he" in this verse can refer to humankind itself. If so, it means that despite our tendencies toward ingratitude (referred to as *kanud* in the previous verse, meaning ungrateful for blessings, as Mufti Shafi explains), deep down, each person is a witness to their own state. You know when you are truly grateful and when you are not. You witness your own actions, your own shortcomings, and your own awareness of Allah's blessings and your response to them. This isn't something external that needs to be proven; it's an internal reality, an inescapable self-knowledge that your conscience bears. This makes us accountable to ourselves first, for what we know to be true about our own hearts.
The Divine Witness
Alternatively, and also a strong interpretation mentioned by al-Saadi, Wahba al-Zuhayli, and Ibn al-Jawzi, the "he" could refer to Allah Himself. In this case, the verse means: "And indeed, He (Allah) is a witness to that." This interpretation delivers a powerful warning and reminder. It emphasizes that Allah is fully aware of our ingratitude, our attachment to worldly things (as mentioned in the subsequent verse), and every detail of our inner and outer lives. Nothing escapes His knowledge, and He is the ultimate witness who will bring all to light on the Day of Judgment.
A Profound Principle
Whether it's your own conscience bearing witness or Allah's comprehensive knowledge observing you, the general lesson from this verse is about inescapable accountability. It teaches us that our actions and the state of our hearts are never truly hidden. This understanding should evoke a spiritual response within us: a deep self-reflection, a humble acknowledgment of our human weaknesses, and a sincere effort to cultivate gratitude. Knowing that our deeds are witnessed, either by ourselves or by our Creator, urges us to live more consciously, to cherish blessings, and to strive for a heart overflowing with thankfulness, rather than ungratefulness. It is a call to align our inner reality with what is pleasing to Allah, knowing that all is seen.
Sources: al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Adiyat 100:7 is discussed in 4 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Adiyat 100:7 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.