وَأَمّا مَن أوتِيَ كِتابَهُ وَراءَ ظَهرِهِ

But as for him who is given his record from behind his back.

EXPOSITION

In the standard Quranic style of utilising juxtapositions, the verses now turn their attention to the wicked, who must face an exacting reckoning and the most terrible of final fates. For them too, already the manner in which they receive their book foreshadows the judgement they will receive. The act of receiving the book from behind his back is once again highly laden with symbolism. The believer rejoices when receiving his book in or from his right hand, for his life had been spent in preparation for that moment, so he calls out joyfully, Indeed I knew that I shall encounter my account (69:20). However, the wicked will have spent their life ignoring that day and turning away from it, paying no heed to the consequences of his actions and doing nothing to prepare for the final judgement. He had tried to put it all behind him, but what he has left behind he will once again have to face. Indeed they love this transitory life, and disregard (lit. put behind them) a weighty day [ahead of them] (76:27).

Some might question if this verse is not in contradiction with 69:25, which tells us that they will receive the book in their left hand. There is no problem in saying some will receive it with their left hand and others from behind their back (with either hand);^{‎[1]Razi, 31/99.} or that simply they will be given it in their left hand but from behind their backs.^{‎[2]Ibn Kathir, 8/353; Alusi, 15/289.} Some have also said that the right hand of the wicked is bound to their neck and their left hand is bound behind their back, and so they receive it behind their back.^{‎[3]Tabrisi, 10/700; Tabari, 30/75; Thalabi, 10/159; Baghawi, 5/229.}

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

Regarding the wicked receiving their books from behind their backs, some have opined that the person’s left hand will protrude from his back, so he will receive his book while his left hand is behind his back.^{‎[4]Related in Tibyan, 10/310; Thalabi, 10/159; Baghawi, 5/229. Abū Ḥayyān relates an even more extreme version of this, which claims that his left hand will enter in through his chest and penetrate through his back (Muhit, 10/437).} Others have said that their faces will be turned on their backs, as per their understanding of before We blot out the faces and turn them backwards (4:47).^{‎[5]Mizan, 20/243.}

Another suggestion still is that the person receiving it will himself turn his back in shame, not wanting to show his face to the one handing him the book.^{‎[6]Sharawi, p. 16913.} However, this does not fit well with the phrase is given (ūtiya) and should rather be ‘will take’ (akhadha).

It is also possible that being given the book from behind the back is reserved for the worst of the worst amongst the wicked.

[1] Razi, 31/99.
[2] Ibn Kathir, 8/353; Alusi, 15/289.
[3] Tabrisi, 10/700; Tabari, 30/75; Thalabi, 10/159; Baghawi, 5/229.
[4] Related in Tibyan, 10/310; Thalabi, 10/159; Baghawi, 5/229. Abū Ḥayyān relates an even more extreme version of this, which claims that his left hand will enter in through his chest and penetrate through his back (Muhit, 10/437).
[5] Mizan, 20/243.
[6] Sharawi, p. 16913.