Surah Al-Anbya — Ayah 28 (21:28)
يَعۡلَمُ مَا بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ وَمَا خَلۡفَهُمۡ وَلَا يَشۡفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ٱرۡتَضَىٰ وَهُم مِّنۡ خَشۡيَتِهِۦ مُشۡفِقُونَ ٢٨
English translation (Saheeh International)
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them,1 and they cannot intercede except on behalf of one whom He approves. And they, from fear of Him, are apprehensive.
- - See footnote to 20:110.
Brief commentary
He knows their previous and latter actions. They do not ask to intercede except with His permission and on behalf of whom He approves intercession. And they are wary out of their fear of Him, so they do not oppose Him in any command or prohibition.