Transliteration:( Innal laaha ya'lamu maa yad'oona min doonihee min shai'; wa Huwal 'Azeezul Hakeem )
"Allah knows whatever they worship [105] besides Allah. And He is the Mighty, the Wise [106]."
This verse reminds us that Allah is fully aware of all acts of worship and those called upon besides Him. Whether people invoke idols, images, celestial bodies, or other beings without divine sanction, none of it is hidden from Him. The word "يَعْبُدُونَ" (ya'budoon) implies false devotion, not true worship. Some groups have misused this term by labeling respectful phrases like “Ya Rasoolullah” or “Ya Ghaus” as shirk. Yet, these same critics call upon worldly means—doctors, lawyers, officials—for help without considering that true polytheism lies in considering those means as self-sufficient.
In Islamic belief, calling upon Allah's chosen servants as a means of intercession, while believing that all power rests solely with Allah, is not shirk. In fact, even in Salah we say, “Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhan Nabiyyu” — directly addressing the Prophet ﷺ — as a part of our worship.
Although Allah has the absolute power to punish instantly, His delay is not due to ignorance or weakness. Rather, it stems from His wisdom — some of the disbelievers or their descendants may later embrace Islam. This also shows that divine judgment operates with foresight, considering future potential for guidance and not merely current rebellion.
Hence, Allah’s knowledge, might, and wisdom are not contradictory but perfectly harmonious — His delay is deliberate, just, and purposeful.
The tafsir of Surah Ankabut verse 42 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Ankabut ayat 41 which provides the complete commentary from verse 41 through 43.
(29:42) Surely Allah knows fully what they call upon apart from Him. He is the Most Powerful, the Most Wise.[74]
74. That is, Allah knows fully the reality of those beings and things which they have taken as their deities and which they invoke for help. They are absolutely powerless. The Owner of power is only Allah, Who is controlling the system of this universe according to His own wisdom and design. Another translation of this verse can be: “Allah knows well that of those whom they invoke, apart from Him, are nonentities, and He alone is the All Mighty, the All-Wise.”
[1133]- In worship.
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