Surah as-Sajdah (The Prostration) 32 : 5

Explanatory Note

In addition to all that has been said about creation and elaborate planning, it is now stated that whatever takes place in the heavens, the earth or in between them will be presented to Him on the Day of Judgement when He will determine their fates: “He regulates and governs all that exists, from the celestial space to the earth; and in the end all shall ascend to Him [for judgement] on a day the length of which is one thousand years by your reckoning.” The expressions used here provide a great, broad perspective: ‘from the celestial space to the earth.’ Thus, human perception is given an impression that it can contemplate. In fact, the domain of what God regulates and governs is far greater than that of the heavens and the earth. For us, however, it is sufficient that we look at this broad expanse and reflect on the fact that God regulates everything in it when we cannot even imagine the figures of its dimensions.

Everything that has been determined and planned, with its results and consequences, is then put to Him, in His exalted presence, on the day He has determined for reviewing the results of actions, words, objects and living creatures. It is “a day the length of which is one thousand years by your reckoning.” Nothing of this is created in vain or abandoned or neglected. All run their course in accordance with God’s design to an appointed time. They all “ascend to Him,” because everything and every position and stage is below that of God Almighty. Hence they ascend or are raised to Him, by His permission, when He wills.