Surah Ta-Ha 20:5
سُورَةُ طه · Meccan · Verse 5 of 135
ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ٱسْتَوَىٰ
Translation
the Lord of Mercy, established on the throne.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse, "Ar-Rahman, on the Throne He established Himself," is a profound statement about Allah, immediately following the introduction of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is Allah Himself speaking, setting a tone of awe and reverence for the Divine Source of revelation, emphasizing His supreme power and vast mercy.
The Name Ar-Rahman
The verse begins with "Ar-Rahman" (ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ), a Divine Name that encapsulates Allah's all-encompassing mercy. Ibn Ashur notes that this particular name is chosen here, and often repeated in the Quran, partly to educate people about Allah's boundless mercy, especially since some disbelievers denied this very name. Its frequent mention serves as an invitation to worship Him alone out of gratitude for His profound kindness. Grammatically, as explained by scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Jadwal, "Ar-Rahman" is likely a predicate of an implied "He is," meaning "He is Ar-Rahman." This grammatical structure elevates the name, presenting it as a direct and immediate declaration of Allah's identity and primary attribute, setting a grand stage for what follows.
On the Throne He Established Himself
The phrase "on the Throne He established Himself" (عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ٱسْتَوَىٰ) conveys Allah's absolute authority and dominion. The plain meaning, as indicated by al-Muyassar, is that Allah "ascended and rose, an ascent befitting His Majesty and Greatness." This phrasing affirms Allah's attribute of *istiwa'* (establishing Himself) upon the *Arsh* (Throne) in a way that is unique to Him, without resembling creation.
Scholars like Ibn Ashur explain *istawa* here as *istiqrar*, meaning settling or establishing, and clarify that the *Arsh* is a mighty, elevated creation. He emphasizes that mentioning Allah's *istiwa'* upon the Throne, after describing His creation of the heavens and earth, serves to enhance the depiction of His immense power and boundless sovereignty. It is a representation (*tamthil*) of Allah's majestic authority, likened to the grandest kings taking their thrones, yet always affirming that "there is nothing like Him" (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:11). Al-Zamakhshari also views this phrase as a metaphor (*kinaya*) for kingship and dominion, explaining that in Arabic, taking a throne is synonymous with ruling, even without literal sitting. This emphasizes that Allah's authority is absolute and unchallenged, encompassing everything.
The very choice of these words highlights the grandeur and ultimate power of the One who sent the Quran. It encourages us to reflect on the immense might and boundless mercy of Allah, the Creator and Sovereign of all.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ta-Ha 20:5 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 Ta-Ha 20:5 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.