فَوَسَطْنَ بِهِۦ جَمْعًا 5
Translations
Arriving thereby in the center collectively,
Transliteration
Fawasatna bihi jama'an
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how the horses (or warriors on horseback) pierce through the middle of a gathered army or group during battle. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as depicting the swift and penetrating charge of cavalry through enemy ranks, emphasizing the power and intensity of their assault. The verb 'wasatna' (we made them go through the middle) conveys both the capability and the decisive impact of this military maneuver.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-'Adiyat is a Meccan surah that uses the oath of swift horses as an opening to discuss themes of ingratitude, human nature, and divine accountability. This particular ayah continues the vivid imagery of battle-horses in their most powerful and purposeful action, setting up the surah's transition toward themes of human moral responsibility and the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly explicates this specific ayah, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain numerous hadiths about the virtue of horses and cavalry in jihad, including the Prophet's (ﷺ) statement: 'The greatest blessing after women is horses' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, hadiths about the Day of Judgment and human ingratitude relate thematically to the surah's overall message.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us of Allah's creation of powerful instruments of might and the capabilities He has granted to His servants, while implicitly inviting reflection on how humans often use these blessings without gratitude or recognition of their Source. It encourages humility by showcasing that all strength and victory ultimately derive from divine will, not human effort alone.