Al-An'am 6:58, stating 'Qul law anna aindee ma tastajiloona bihi laqudiya al-amru baynee wabaynakum wallahu aalam biththalimeen' (Say: If I had that which you seek to hasten, the matter would have been decided between me and you, but Allah knows the wrongdoers best), establishes the divine wisdom in timing judgment and demonstrates Allah's perfect knowledge of wrongdoers that guides the appropriate moment for consequences according to authentic Islamic scholarship. This verse continues the theme from the previous ayah, providing an additional perspective on why immediate divine punishment is not granted despite persistent demands from the disbelievers who challenged the Prophet's authority. The conditional statement 'law anna aindee ma tastajiloona bihi' (if I had that which you seek to hasten) reveals a hypothetical scenario that illuminates both prophetic restraint and divine wisdom in withholding immediate punishment. Classical tafsir explains that this conditional phrase indicates the Prophet's human reaction to persistent mockery and challenge - if the power of immediate judgment were in his hands, the natural human response would be to exercise it swiftly to vindicate truth and silence opposition. The consequence 'laqudiya al-amru baynee wabaynakum' (the matter would have been decided between me and you) indicates that immediate divine punishment would have resulted in swift and final judgment, leaving no opportunity for repentance, guidance, or the gradual unfolding of divine wisdom. Ibn Kathir notes that this phrase reveals the human tendency toward immediate resolution when faced with persistent opposition and mockery, showing that even prophets experience natural human reactions while remaining perfectly submitted to divine will and timing. The verse teaches that the Prophet's restraint reflects not weakness or uncertainty but complete trust in divine wisdom that operates beyond human impatience and natural desire for immediate vindication. However, the crucial transition 'wallahu aalam biththalimeen' (but Allah knows the wrongdoers best) establishes the fundamental principle that divine judgment operates according to perfect knowledge rather than human emotion or timing preferences. The phrase 'aalam biththalimeen' indicates Allah's complete, comprehensive knowledge of wrongdoers that encompasses not only their current actions but also their inner motivations, their potential for change, the broader consequences of immediate versus delayed judgment, and the ultimate wisdom that serves both justice and mercy. Classical scholars explain that 'ththalimeen' (the wrongdoers) refers not merely to those who commit obvious injustices but to all who persist in rejecting divine guidance despite clear evidence, making them wrongdoers against their own souls through willful ignorance and rebellion. Allah's superior knowledge of wrongdoers includes understanding their psychological state, their capacity for repentance, the influence of immediate punishment versus delayed consequences on both them and their communities, and the broader divine plan that serves ultimate justice while maximizing opportunities for guidance. The verse reveals that divine timing operates according to wisdom that considers factors beyond human perception: the possibility of future repentance, the impact on families and communities, the educational value of gradual consequences versus immediate destruction, and the overall divine plan that serves both individual accountability and collective guidance. This principle became foundational for Islamic understanding of divine justice, teaching that apparent delay in divine punishment reflects not divine weakness or indifference but rather supreme wisdom that serves purposes beyond immediate human satisfaction. The verse provides comfort to believers by assuring them that wrongdoing never escapes divine knowledge and that justice will ultimately be served according to perfect wisdom rather than human impatience. It teaches that divine patience should inspire human patience, recognizing that Allah's timing serves purposes that immediate human judgment cannot comprehend. The verse also demonstrates the prophetic model of restraint and trust in divine timing despite natural human reactions to persistent opposition and mockery. Classical tafsir notes that this verse helps explain the hadith about the Prophet's compassionate response when offered the opportunity to crush his opponents between mountains, showing that prophetic mercy reflects divine wisdom in providing maximum opportunity for guidance before final judgment. The verse establishes that true justice requires perfect knowledge, infinite wisdom, and consideration of consequences beyond immediate satisfaction - qualities that belong exclusively to Allah. It warns wrongdoers that their actions are completely known to Allah and that delayed consequences reflect divine mercy and wisdom rather than divine ignorance or powerlessness. The verse teaches believers to trust divine timing while working for justice through the means Allah has provided, recognizing that ultimate vindication belongs to Allah alone. It provides practical guidance for dealing with oppression and injustice by encouraging patience with divine timing while maintaining active efforts toward truth and justice within the framework of divine guidance. The verse also serves as a warning to wrongdoers that Allah's knowledge of their actions is complete and that delayed consequences reflect divine mercy providing opportunity for repentance rather than divine neglect of their wrongdoing.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What would happen if the Prophet had what they sought to hasten according to 'qul law anna aindee ma tastajiloona bihi'?
The verse states 'laqudiya al-amru baynee wabaynakum' (the matter would have been decided between me and you), meaning immediate divine punishment would have resulted in swift and final judgment. This would have left no opportunity for repentance, guidance, or the gradual unfolding of divine wisdom. The conditional reveals the natural human reaction to persistent mockery - immediate resolution when faced with opposition.
❓Why does Allah know wrongdoers best according to 'wallahu aalam biththalimeen'?
Allah's knowledge of wrongdoers is complete and comprehensive, encompassing not only their current actions but also their inner motivations, potential for change, broader consequences of immediate versus delayed judgment, and ultimate wisdom serving both justice and mercy. This perfect knowledge includes understanding their psychological state, capacity for repentance, and the impact on communities.
❓What is the divine wisdom behind delayed judgment according to this verse?
Divine timing operates according to wisdom considering factors beyond human perception: possibility of future repentance, impact on families and communities, educational value of gradual consequences versus immediate destruction, and the overall divine plan serving both individual accountability and collective guidance. Delayed judgment reflects supreme wisdom rather than weakness or indifference.
❓How does this verse show prophetic restraint and trust in divine timing?
The verse reveals the Prophet's human reaction to persistent opposition while demonstrating complete trust in divine will and timing. His restraint reflects not weakness but perfect submission to Allah's wisdom. Even natural human desires for immediate vindication are subordinated to divine timing, showing the prophetic model of patience despite provocation.
❓What does Allah's perfect knowledge of wrongdoers mean for justice?
Allah's perfect knowledge ensures that justice operates according to complete understanding rather than human emotion or limited perception. True justice requires perfect knowledge, infinite wisdom, and consideration of consequences beyond immediate satisfaction - qualities belonging exclusively to Allah. This guarantees that ultimate justice will be perfectly served.
❓Why is divine timing superior to human demands for immediate consequences?
Divine timing serves purposes beyond immediate human satisfaction, considering the possibility of repentance, community impact, educational value, and the broader divine plan. Human demands for immediate punishment are based on limited knowledge and emotion, while divine timing reflects infinite wisdom that maximizes opportunities for guidance while ensuring ultimate justice.
❓How does this verse demonstrate divine mercy within justice?
The verse shows that delayed consequences reflect divine mercy providing maximum opportunity for repentance and guidance rather than divine neglect. Allah's patience serves both justice and mercy, allowing wrongdoers time to recognize their errors while ensuring that ultimate accountability will be perfectly administered according to divine wisdom.
❓What is the relationship between divine knowledge and divine judgment?
Divine judgment operates according to perfect knowledge that encompasses all factors: current actions, inner motivations, potential for change, broader consequences, and ultimate wisdom. This complete knowledge ensures that judgment serves both individual accountability and collective guidance, with timing determined by infinite wisdom rather than human impatience or emotion.
❓What practical guidance does this verse provide for dealing with injustice?
The verse teaches believers to trust divine timing while working for justice through means Allah has provided. It encourages patience with divine timing while maintaining active efforts toward truth and justice within divine guidance. Ultimate vindication belongs to Allah alone, but this should inspire constructive action rather than passive resignation.
❓What warning does this verse contain for wrongdoers?
The verse warns that Allah's knowledge of wrongdoing is complete and that delayed consequences reflect divine mercy providing opportunity for repentance rather than divine ignorance or powerlessness. Wrongdoers should understand that apparent delay in punishment serves divine wisdom but does not indicate escape from ultimate accountability.
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Resources & References
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