Surah Al-Hashr 59:22
سُورَةُ الحَشۡرِ · Medinan · Verse 22 of 24
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَٰدَةِ ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Translation
He is God: there is no god other than Him. It is He who knows what is hidden as well as what is in the open, He is the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Qur'anic Worlds
This verse opens with a profound declaration of identity and uniqueness: *Huwa Allahu alladhi la ilaha illa Huwa*, meaning "He is Allah, the One Who there is no deity worthy of worship except Him." This foundational statement, as Ibn Kathir clarifies, establishes that Allah is the singular Lord and God of all existence. No other being holds the right to be worshipped, and any devotion directed elsewhere is ultimately futile. This declaration from Allah Himself sets a tone of absolute truth and reminds humanity of the essential reality of their Creator.
His All-Encompassing Knowledge
The verse continues to describe Allah as *Alim al-Ghayb wa ash-Shahadah*, "the Knower of the unseen and the seen." This attribute brings us into a deep reflection on the "World of Creation." The term *Ghayb* refers to all that is hidden from us, that which we have not witnessed or understood, as al-Baghawi explains. It could mean the secrets of the heart, the events of the future, or dimensions beyond our perception. In contrast, *Shahadah* encompasses everything we see, observe, and comprehend. As Mufti Shafi's *Ma'arif al-Quran* notes, this means Allah knows all things, whether visible or invisible to us. Al-Razi adds that this could also mean He knows what is secret and what is open, or even everything in this world and the hereafter. This profound knowledge means nothing escapes His awareness, from the smallest atom in the darkest corners to the grandest galaxies, and every thought, intention, and action across all time and space.
His Boundless Mercy
Following this, Allah identifies Himself as *Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim*, "The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful." This aspect highlights His active presence in the "World of Creation" through His vast compassion. Ibn Kathir explains that *Ar-Rahman* signifies Allah's expansive mercy that encompasses all creatures and all of existence, making Him the Merciful in this world and the hereafter. *Ar-Rahim* refers to His special, specific mercy for those who believe in Him. It is by His overwhelming grace that the universe functions, that life sustains itself, and that humanity receives guidance and sustenance. These attributes assure us that the One who knows all our hidden and apparent states is also infinitely compassionate and caring towards His creation, especially those who turn to Him in faith.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn Kathir
Worldly Mirror
The verse we ponder today, Surah 59:22, offers a profound declaration of Allah's being and attributes. It follows an ayah that challenges the human heart: if mighty mountains would humble and split from fear of Allah's speech, how much more should our hearts be moved? This verse then invites us to look deeply at the One who sent this powerful message, reminding us of foundational truths about Him.
The Heart of Oneness
The verse opens with "هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ" (He is Allah, the One with no deity except Him). This isn't merely a statement; it's an invitation to reshape our inner world. Sayyid Qutb highlights that Allah's attributes are active and deeply connected to human life. For us, this means aligning our innermost being with this absolute oneness. It asks: Is Allah truly the *only* object of my ultimate hope, fear, love, and submission? In our personal lives, this truth calls us to purify our intentions and actions from any form of hidden reliance on others, whether it's seeking approval, fearing criticism, or placing trust in worldly means over divine will. It's a call to examine our hearts and ensure nothing competes with Allah for our ultimate devotion.
The All-Knowing Gaze
Next, Allah describes Himself as "عَٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَادَةِ" (Knower of the unseen and the seen). As Israr Ahmad explains, "unseen" (ghayb) and "seen" (shahadah) are terms relative to us; for Allah, everything is open, nothing is truly hidden. This attribute is a powerful mirror for our inner state and how we navigate the world. Knowing that Allah is aware of every secret thought, every hidden intention, and every private action should instill a deep sense of accountability and sincerity. It moves us beyond mere outward performance and challenges us to cultivate inner integrity. Tazkirul Quran observes that this truth, that Allah is observing all actions, is so profound it should shake mountains, yet human hearts often remain heedless. This awareness should inspire us to act with greater honesty and uprightness in all our relationships, knowing that our true character is always visible to Him.
Boundless Compassion
The verse concludes with "هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ" (He is the Most Compassionate, the Especially Merciful). Al-Munir explains that *Ar-Rahman* signifies His vast, all-encompassing mercy for all creation, while *Ar-Rahim* refers to His specific, profound mercy for believers. This duality offers both immense hope and a profound call to gratitude. Reflecting on these names should soften our hearts, making us eager to seek His forgiveness and to respond to His boundless kindness by striving to live in a way that pleases Him. It reminds us that even with His absolute knowledge and power, His primary mode of interaction with His creation is through mercy, inviting us to reciprocate that compassion in our dealings with others and to trust in His forgiveness for our shortcomings. This spiritual diagnosis leads to a desire for repentance and a deep sense of hope.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Connections
This profound verse, "He is Allah, the One besides whom there is no god. Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," serves as a majestic declaration of Allah's fundamental attributes. It is not an isolated statement but a foundational thread woven throughout Surah Al-Hashr, drawing together its diverse themes into a coherent tapestry of divine power and wisdom.
The Source of All Being
The verse opens with هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ (He is Allah, the One besides whom there is no god). As al-Biqa'i explains, "He" points to the One whose existence is from His very essence, eternal and absolute, uniquely deserving this description. This declaration is the core of *Tawhid*, the Oneness of God, which is the cornerstone of faith. The entire surah, after detailing the expulsion of the Jewish tribe of Banu al-Nadir, the treachery of the hypocrites, and the contrasting virtues of the sincere believers, culminates in this decisive statement. It reminds us that all events, victories, and trials occur under the watch of this one, unique God. The repetition of *La ilaha illa Huwa* (there is no god but He) across this and the subsequent verses emphasizes its paramount importance, grounding the believer in the absolute truth of Allah's singularity.
The All-Encompassing Knowledge
Following this, Allah describes Himself as عَالِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَادَةِ (Knower of the unseen and the seen). This attribute links directly to the surah's narrative. Allah knew the unseen intentions of the hypocrites, their secret promises to the Jews, and their eventual betrayal, even before these events fully unfolded. As al-Shinqiti highlights, this comprehensive knowledge is a powerful proof of Allah's exclusive divinity. This knowledge is not relative; it encompasses everything hidden from human perception (*al-ghayb*) and everything apparent (*al-shahadah*). This attribute also appears in other Quranic verses, such as Surah Taha 20:98 and Surah An-Naml 27:25, where Allah's infinite knowledge is presented as a reason to worship Him alone. For us, this means that nothing we do or intend, whether whispered in secret or declared openly, escapes His awareness.
Vast and Enduring Mercy
The verse concludes with هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ (He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). These two names, often paired, signify Allah's boundless compassion. Al-Biqa'i clarifies that *Ar-Rahman* denotes a general, all-encompassing mercy, extending to all creation, while *Ar-Rahim* signifies a specific, enduring mercy, particularly for the believers. Al-Shinqiti draws connections to other verses, noting how this mercy manifests in sending rain (Surah Ash-Shura 42:28) and reviving dead lands (Surah Ar-Rum 30:50), acts which only Allah can perform. This combination of ultimate knowledge and vast mercy is also echoed in Surah Ghafir 40:7. This pairing offers immense comfort and reassurance: our Lord, who knows everything, also possesses infinite, continuous mercy.
Unifying the Surah's Message
Indeed, this concluding declaration of Allah's names and attributes is not merely a list; it is, as al-Shinqiti beautifully puts it, a "return to the beginning" of the surah. Surah Al-Hashr opens with all creation glorifying Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. These final verses reiterate and deepen that glorification by detailing some of the glorious attributes of the One being glorified. They consolidate the surah's teachings on belief, accountability, and the consequences of actions, tying them all back to the singular, all-knowing, all-merciful Creator. The greatness of the Quran's message, as al-Wasit notes, is directly tied to the greatness of its Speaker, Allah, whose attributes are declared here with such majesty. This reflection invites us to ponder not just the words, but the profound implications of worshipping such a God, a God of ultimate knowledge, power, and boundless mercy.
Sources: al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Hashr 59:22 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-Hashr 59:22 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.