Tafsir of Al-Hajj 22:70

"Do you not know that..."

This is an inaugural statement reinforcing the content of what preceded it, and the interrogation is for confirmation—meaning: you have indeed known that "Allah knows what is in the heaven and the earth." Thus, nothing is hidden from Him of those things, among which are the statements and deeds of the disbelievers.

"Indeed, that is in a Book."

That is to say, what is in the heaven and the earth. As reported from Ibn Abbas, this is the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz). He mentioned—may Allah be pleased with him—that its length is a journey of one hundred years, and that there was written upon it whatever will occur according to the knowledge of Allah Almighty until the Day of Resurrection. Abu Muslim denied this, saying: "The intent of the 'Book' is preservation and precision," meaning that it is preserved with Him, the Almighty. However, the majority are in opposition to this.

The intent of the verse is also to console him—peace and blessings be upon him—as if it were said: "Indeed, Allah knows, etc., so do not let their affair trouble you, given Our knowledge of it and Our preservation of it."

"Indeed, that..."

Meaning, what was mentioned of knowledge and encompassing what is in the heaven and the earth, the writing of it in the Tablet, and the judgment between you. It has been said that "that" refers only to the judgment; others said only to the knowledge; and others said only to the writing of that in the Tablet. Perhaps its being a reference to all three, by interpreting what they mentioned, is more appropriate.

"...is easy for Allah."

For His knowledge and His power—His Majesty is glorified—are requirements of His Essence, so nothing is hidden from Him, and no ordained thing is difficult for Him. The prepositional phrase is placed first for the sake of rhyme in the verse endings, or for the sake of restriction (Qasr)—meaning: it is easy for Him, the Almighty, and not for any other.