Surah Al-An"aam 6:103 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-An"aam, Ayah 103
Arabic Text
لَّا تُدۡرِكُهُ الۡاَبۡصَارُ وَهُوَ يُدۡرِكُ الۡاَبۡصَارَۚ وَهُوَ اللَّطِيۡفُ الۡخَبِيۡرُ
Transliteration
La tudrikuhu al-absaru wahuwayudriku al-absara wahuwa allateefu alkhabeer
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:103 establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic theology regarding divine transcendence: 'No vision can grasp Him, but He grasps all vision. He is Al-Latif (the Subtle), Al-Khabir (the Aware).' According to authentic tafsir, this verse clarifies that Allah's essence cannot be encompassed or fully comprehended by human vision in this world, while affirming that believers will see Allah in the afterlife without encompassing His true reality. The Arabic word 'tudrikuhu' means to encompass or fully grasp, not merely to see - thus the verse denies complete comprehension while allowing for vision. Al-Latif means Allah is so subtle and refined that human vision cannot encompass His essence, while Al-Khabir confirms His complete awareness of all creation. Classical scholars explain that Allah's veil is light itself, and if removed, the splendor of His face would burn everything His sight reaches. This verse was revealed to address those who demanded to see Allah physically, teaching that divine reality transcends material perception while affirming Allah's perfect knowledge of all that sees and is seen.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 103 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 103
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of Al-An'am 6:103?
Al-An'am 6:103 establishes that 'No vision can grasp Him, but He grasps all vision. He is Al-Latif (the Subtle), Al-Khabir (the Aware).' The Arabic word 'tudrikuhu' means to encompass or fully comprehend, not merely to see. This verse teaches that Allah's essence cannot be encompassed by human vision in this world, while affirming His complete awareness of all creation. The verse denies complete comprehension of Allah's reality while allowing for the possibility of vision in the afterlife.
❓What are the historical circumstances surrounding this verse's revelation?
This verse was revealed in response to those who demanded to see Allah physically, similar to how some people today demand material proof of divine existence. The tafsir explains that these people, due to their simple-mindedness, made the same mistake as those who worship visible objects. The verse addresses the fundamental misunderstanding of divine transcendence and the limitations of human perception in comprehending the infinite.
❓What is the linguistic significance of the divine names Al-Latif and Al-Khabir?
Al-Latif derives from the root 'lataafa' meaning subtlety, refinement, and delicacy. It indicates Allah's subtlety is so perfect that human vision cannot encompass His essence. Al-Khabir comes from 'khabara' meaning to be informed or aware, signifying Allah's complete knowledge and awareness of all things. Together, these names emphasize that Allah is beyond material perception yet perfectly aware of all creation, including every act of seeing and being seen.
❓What are the main theological principles derived from this verse?
The verse establishes key principles: (1) Divine transcendence - Allah's essence cannot be fully grasped by created beings, (2) The distinction between seeing and encompassing - believers will see Allah in paradise without comprehending His full reality, (3) Allah's perfect knowledge encompasses all vision and perception, (4) The futility of demanding physical proof of divine existence, and (5) The proper approach to knowing Allah through faith and spiritual insight rather than material perception.
❓How does this verse relate to the broader themes of Surah Al-An'am?
This verse comes after detailed descriptions of Allah's creation of various levels of existence - the earth, atmosphere, and heavens. It serves as the perfect conclusion, establishing that the Creator who organized this vast universe with such precision is far too great to be encompassed by human vision. The verse connects the observable signs of creation to the invisible reality of the Creator, teaching that while we can see His effects, His essence transcends our perception.
❓What are the spiritual and ethical lessons of this verse?
The verse teaches humility before divine transcendence, encouraging believers to approach Allah through faith rather than demanding material proof. It cultivates spiritual insight over physical sight, teaching that the heart's vision is more important than bodily vision. The verse also emphasizes Allah's constant awareness, encouraging righteous behavior knowing that Allah encompasses all vision and is aware of every action, thought, and intention.
❓How can this verse's guidance be applied in modern life?
In our materialistic age, this verse teaches that not everything meaningful can be measured or seen physically. It encourages developing spiritual perception and faith-based knowledge alongside empirical understanding. The verse reminds believers that Allah's awareness encompasses all their actions, encouraging ethical behavior in both public and private. It also provides comfort that Allah, being Al-Latif, understands the subtleties of human struggles with perfect awareness and wisdom.
❓How does this verse address modern questions about divine existence and perception?
The verse addresses the modern tendency to demand physical evidence for spiritual realities. Just as scientists accept the existence of atoms and subatomic particles based on their effects without directly seeing them, this verse teaches that Allah's existence is known through His signs and effects in creation. The verse clarifies that demanding to see Allah physically shows a poor understanding of divine transcendence, just as demanding to smell a flower's chemical composition misses its true beauty.
❓What is the authentic Islamic position on seeing Allah in this life versus the afterlife?
According to authentic hadith and scholarly consensus, no one can see Allah in this worldly life. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) confirmed that whoever claims Prophet Muhammad saw Allah in this life has lied, citing this very verse. However, numerous authentic hadith establish that believers will see Allah in paradise. The difference is that worldly vision would be overwhelming - Allah's veil is light itself, and if removed, the splendor of His face would burn all creation. In paradise, believers will be granted the ability to see Allah without being overwhelmed.
❓What was the debate among early scholars about Prophet Muhammad's vision during Miraj?
There was scholarly difference regarding Prophet Muhammad's experience during the Night Journey (Miraj). Some scholars like Ali ibn Abi Talib believed the Prophet saw Allah, while others like Umar and Aisha held that he did not see Allah with his eyes. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet saw Allah twice with his heart, not his physical eyes. Aisha explained that Allah is pure light, asking 'How can He be seen?' This difference of opinion relates to the distinction between physical vision and spiritual perception of divine reality.
Translations & Commentary
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