ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ ۚ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ فَسْـَٔلْ بِهِۦ خَبِيرًا 59
Translations
He who created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days and then established Himself above the Throne - the Most Merciful, so ask about Him one well informed [i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ)].
Transliteration
Alladhi khalaqa as-samawati wa-l-arda wa-ma baynahuma fi sittati ayyamin thumma istawa ala al-arshi ar-rahmanu fa-sal bihi khabira
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's creation of the heavens, earth, and all that exists between them in six days, followed by His establishment upon the Throne (Istiwa). The phrase 'the Most Merciful' (ar-Rahman) is emphasized to highlight that this Creator is the One possessing infinite mercy. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this ayah serves as a response to those who doubt Allah's power and existence, and the instruction to 'ask one knowledgeable' refers to asking the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or consulting knowledgeable believers about this cosmic creation.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Furqan is a Meccan surah addressing polytheists and refuting their objections to the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad's message. This particular ayah appears in a context where the disbelievers' false claims about creation and their mockery of the Qur'an are being systematically refuted, establishing Allah's absolute power and wisdom in creation.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3191): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The most hated word to Allah is when a man says, O Allah, curse me if...' This relates to Allah's mercy (ar-Rahman) mentioned in this ayah. Also relevant is Sahih Muslim (2794) where the Prophet taught about the six days of creation and Allah's establishment on the Throne.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize the majesty of creation as evidence of Allah's existence and power, and to approach knowledge about faith through the guidance of the Qur'an and those versed in it. In our modern age of scientific inquiry, it reminds us that understanding creation's order ultimately points to the Creator's wisdom and mercy.