وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا 42
Translations
And exalt Him morning and afternoon.
Transliteration
Wa sabbihu hu bukratan wa asila
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the believers to glorify and praise Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) in the early morning and in the evening, emphasizing constant remembrance throughout the day. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this instruction encompasses all times of day using the Arabic idiom of mentioning the earliest and latest parts as a comprehensive reference to all hours. The repetition and constancy of this remembrance reflects the continuous need for divine connection and gratitude in one's daily life.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ahzab, revealed during the Medinan period, within the context of instructions to the believers regarding their spiritual conduct and relationship with Allah. The surah addresses various aspects of Islamic life and ethics, and this particular verse emphasizes the importance of regular dhikr (remembrance of Allah) as a fundamental spiritual practice.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best dhikr is La ilaha illallah, and the best du'a is Alhamdulillah' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized: 'Whoever says Subhan'Allah wa bihamdihi (Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him) one hundred times a day, their sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea' (Sahih Muslim 2692).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should establish consistent daily practices of remembering and glorifying Allah at all times, making spiritual devotion an integral part of their routine rather than an occasional act. This cultivates a consciousness of divine presence (taqwa) that transforms mundane daily activities into worship and brings purpose and peace to one's life.