Al-'Alaq: (8) Indeed, to your Lord is the Return.

Then the Almighty said: {Indeed, to your Lord is the Return} (Inna ilā rabbika ar-ruj‘ā).

In this verse, there are several points:

This statement is delivered using a shift in address (iltifāt) directed toward the human being, serving as a warning and admonition regarding the consequence of transgression (ṭughyān).

{Ar-Ruj‘ā} means the place of return (al-marji‘) and the act of returning (ar-rujū‘). All these terms are verbal nouns (maṣādir). It is said: Raja‘a ilayhi rujū‘an / wa marji‘an wa ruj‘an (He returned to him a returning / and a return-place / and a return, following the pattern fu‘lā).

There are two interpretations regarding the meaning of the verse:

1. The Return for Accountability: That he will see the reward for his obedience and the punishment for his rebellion, arrogance, and transgression. This is similar to His saying: {And never think that Allah is heedless...} until His saying: {Indeed, He only postpones them until a Day when eyes will stare [in horror]}. This admonition only affects the heart that possesses a firm footing (qadam ṣidq). As for the ignorant person, he becomes angry and only believes in immediate pleasure.
2. The Return to Deficiency: That the Almighty will return him to deficiency, poverty, and death, just as He returned him from deficiency to perfection—by moving him from inanimate matter to life, from poverty to wealth, and from humiliation to honor. So, what is this self-aggrandizement and power?

It is narrated that Abu Jahl said to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "Do you claim that whoever becomes wealthy transgresses? Then make the mountains of Mecca gold and silver for us, perhaps we will take from them, become wealthy, transgress, abandon our religion, and follow your religion."

Then Gabriel descended and said: "If you wish, We will do that. But if they do not believe, We will deal with them as We dealt with the companions of the Table Spread (al-Mā’idah)." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) refrained from supplicating (for that punishment) out of mercy for them.

! 7 < { Have you seen the one who forbids * A servant when he prays } . > 7 !

The Almighty's saying: {Have you seen the one who forbids * A servant when he prays} (A-ra’ayta alladhī yanha ‘abdan idhā ṣallā).