Does the meaning of the verse: "And to Allah belongs the East and the West. So wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah" mean that Allah encompasses us from all directions?

The noble verse: "And to Allah belong the East and the West. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing" indicates Allah Almighty's encompassment of all things in dominion, knowledge, and power, and that He is established upon His Throne, distinct from His creation. Ibn 'Uthaymeen mentioned among its benefits the universality of Allah's dominion over the East and the West, and that He can direct His servants as He wills.

The meanings of the verse can be summarized as: the dominion of the East and the West belongs to Allah Almighty, so the Muslim must turn wherever Allah commands him. Some interpreted it to apply to cases where it is permissible for the worshipper to face any direction, such as before the imposition of the Qibla, or when the Qibla is hidden, or during voluntary prayers for a traveler.

The scholars of interpretation differed on its reason for revelation and its meaning, presenting seven opinions: 1. Its revelation after the Qibla was changed from Jerusalem to the Kaaba, in response to the Jews. 2. Its revelation before the imposition of the Qibla, to permit facing any direction. 3. Its revelation concerning voluntary prayers for a traveler and one who is in fear. 4. Its revelation concerning those for whom the Qibla was hidden. 5. Its revelation concerning the Negus, and that he prayed wherever he was. 6. Its revelation in response to the Companions' question "To where?" after the revelation of "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." 7. Its meaning is that they have a Qibla they face wherever they are.

They differed on the meaning of "فَثَمَّ وَجْهُ اللَّهِ" (there is the Face of Allah) with two interpretations: it means "there is the Qibla of Allah," or "there is Allah Almighty Himself," with "Face" being an expression for Him.