What is the wisdom behind the word "warāʾ" (وَرَاء) appearing in the Holy Quran with the meaning of "amām" (أَمَام - in front of) in verses such as: (From behind him is Hell, and he will be given to drink of purulent water) and (And there was behind them a king who seized every [suitable] ship by force)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The word "waraa'" (behind/beyond) can also mean "in front of" or "ahead," as in His (Allah's) saying: "Ahead of him is Hell" (Quran 14:16), "There was a king ahead of them" (Quran 18:79), "And ahead of him is a severe punishment" (Quran 14:17), and "And ahead of them is a barrier" (Quran 23:100). This is further supported by Labīd's verse: "Is there not ahead of me, if my appointed time is prolonged... the necessity of a staff on which fingers are bent?" Al-Akhfash, Abu Hayyan, and a number of linguists have indicated that "waraa'" can mean "in front of" or "ahead."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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