Commentary
And when he finished supplicating for the most important matter, which is to maintain the original fitrah that encourages determination to devote oneself in the abode of comfort, and for their sustenance to be sufficient, which produces gratitude through spending of surplus, it became clear from that that they contradicted their greatest ancestors in all that he intended for them of benefits. He followed it with what urges sincerity in that and other matters for him and for others, so that it may be more successful for the intended purpose by ensuring happiness, especially with the repetition of the call indicating greater humility. He said: "Our Lord," meaning, O Benefactor to us, Owner of all our affairs, "Indeed, You know what" meaning all that we conceal and what we declare. Then he pointed to the universality of His knowledge and said: "And nothing is hidden from Allah," meaning, He who encompasses everything in power and knowledge. He emphasized the negation and said: "Of anything" from that or otherwise "in the earth." And since it was in the context of exaggeration, he reiterated the negation for emphasis and said: "And not in the heavens," meaning, He is not in need of being informed by the supplication, for supplication is merely to manifest servitude. The name of the genus includes what is above one. Among the benefits of expressing in the singular is the indication that whoever encompasses all that is in the two opposites without one of them concealing anything from the other, he is likewise encompassing the other without distinction.
Explore Other Scholars on This Verse
Compare different scholarly perspectives on Surah Ibrahim verse 38