Surah Al-Hadid 57:4
سُورَةُ الحَدِيدِ · Medinan · Verse 4 of 29
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍۢ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا يَلِجُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهَا وَمَا يَنزِلُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا يَعْرُجُ فِيهَا ۖ وَهُوَ مَعَكُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌۭ
Translation
It was He who created the heavens and earth in six Days and then established Himself on the throne. He knows what enters the earth and what comes out of it; what descends from the sky and what ascends to it. He is with you wherever you are; He sees all that you do;
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This powerful verse from Surah al-Hadid beautifully unfolds the grandeur and intimate knowledge of Allah, inviting us to ponder His unmatched power and constant awareness. It is Allah Himself speaking, addressing humanity to affirm His unique divinity and to guide us away from associating partners with Him. The tone is majestic, meant to inspire both awe and mindful living.
Creation and Dominion
The verse begins, "It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then He ascended (istawā) above the Throne." The phrase *istawā ala al-Arsh* (ascended above the Throne) is not meant to imply a physical movement or a need for a place, as Allah is beyond such limitations. Rather, as scholars like Ibn Ashur explain, it is a magnificent metaphor for Allah's absolute dominion and sovereignty, signifying that after creating all things, He took full command over His creation, as a king assumes his throne. Al-Jalalayn clarifies that this ascending is "befitting His Majesty," emphasizing that it occurs in a way that truly suits Allah, free from any human-like interpretation. This initial declaration firmly establishes Allah's ultimate power as the Creator and Ruler of all that exists.
All-Encompassing Knowledge
The ayah then describes Allah's perfect knowledge: "He knows what penetrates the earth and what emerges from it, and what descends from the sky and what ascends into it." The careful choice of four contrasting pairs – "penetrates" and "emerges," "descends" and "ascends" – rhetorically covers every conceivable movement within the earth and between the earth and the sky. Whether it is rain entering the soil, plants sprouting, angels descending, or our deeds rising to Him, nothing escapes His notice. Al-Razi emphasizes that this section highlights Allah's "perfection of knowledge," making it clear that His awareness is boundless, encompassing every minute detail of the seen and unseen.
Constant Companionship and Awareness
Finally, the verse concludes, "And He is with you wherever you are, and Allah is All-Seeing of what you do." The phrase "He is with you" (Huwa ma'akum) is a profound statement of divine presence, but it does not mean Allah is physically present with us in location. Scholars like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi explain that this "companionship" is by His knowledge, His power, and His watchfulness. He is aware of our every thought and circumstance, regardless of where we are. Ibn Ashur notes that the word "أينما" (wherever) reinforces this absolute universality of His presence by knowledge. The verse then specifically adds, "Allah is All-Seeing of what you do," completing the message by bringing our attention to accountability. This powerful word choice emphasizes that Allah's comprehensive knowledge is tied directly to our actions, serving as a reminder that we are constantly observed and will be recompensed for our deeds.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Hadid 57:4 is discussed in 5 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-Hadid 57:4 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.