Allah's mercy and knowledge encompass all things

We present different translations of the above verse (40:7) with a specific focus on the 15th word [1]. The different translations are You have encompassed, Thou comprehendest, Thy Reach, Thou embracest, You comprehend. One of the obvious meanings of this verse is that Allah's mercy and knowledge encompass all things.

A study of the Quran will show that the only two attributes of Allah (SWT) that are associated with , 'Ilm (knowledge) and Rahmah (mercy). A very simple but powerful lesson from this verse is that we should use knowledge to understand all things. That knowledge will reveal to us the various degrees of Rahmah associated with the thing. We then chose the most appropriate act of Rahmah associated with it. Thus to be merciful we must have knowledge. This is why Islam encourages its followers to exert themselves to acquire knowledge so that they can know the most appropriate act of Rahmah or mercy with which they can respond to a happening.

Sahih International: Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, [saying], "Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire.

Pickthall: Those who bear the Throne, and all who are round about it, hymn the praises of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe (saying): Our Lord! Thou comprehendest all things in mercy and knowledge, therefor forgive those who repent and follow Thy way. Ward off from them the punishment of hell.

Yusuf Ali: Those who sustain the Throne (of Allah) and those around it Sing Glory and Praise to their Lord; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for those who believe: "Our Lord! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path; and preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire!

Shakir: Those who bear the power and those around Him celebrate the praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask protection for those who believe: Our Lord! Thou embracest all things in mercy and knowledge, therefore grant protection to those who turn (to Thee) and follow Thy way, and save them from the punishment of the hell:

Muhammad Sarwar: The bearers of the Throne glorify their Lord with His praise. They believe in Him and ask Him to forgive the believers. They say, "Our Lord, Your mercy and knowledge encompass all things. Forgive those who turn to You in repentance and follow Your path. Lord, save them from the torment of hell.

Mohsin Khan: Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): "Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!

Arberry: Those who bear the Throne, and those round about it proclaim the praise of their Lord, and believe in Him, and they ask forgiveness for those who believe: 'Our Lord, Thou embracest every thing in mercy and knowledge; therefore forgive those who have repented, and follow Thy way, and guard them against the chastisement of Hell.

References:

1. http://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=40&verse=7