The meaning of Verse 33, Al Rahmaan

Praise be to Allah.

Verse 33 of Surat al-Rahman, interpretation of the meaning: "O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If you can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! Not without authority shall ye be able to pass!"

This challenge from Allaah to all will be on the day of resurrection when all creatures, Jinn and humans, will be assembled and the heavens split apart. Angels will descend from all of heavens and encircle the resurrected. Allah will challenge the people assembled to escape if they can. They will not be able to escape as they will not have the ability or the power to do so with the angels besieging and encircling them from all sides.

In explanation of this Verse, Ibn Kathir (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: "Meaning that you cannot escape Allaahs power and predestination, which are everywhere around you. You cannot escape Allahs power or break away from His authority or ruling on you. On the day of resurrection, wherever you go, you will be surrounded on all sides by seven rows of angels. No one can pass beyond the zones "without authority" i.e. an order from Allah. Verse 10 of Surat Al-Qiyamah, or the resurrection, says (interpretation of the meaning): "(10.) That day will man say: Where is the escape? (11.) By no means! No place of safety! 12. Before thy Lord (alone), that day will be the dwelling."