يُولِجُ ٱلَّيْلَ فِى ٱلنَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فِى ٱلَّيْلِ ۚ وَهُوَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ 6
Translations
He causes the night to enter the day and causes the day to enter the night, and He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
Transliteration
Yuliju al-layla fi al-nahaar wa yuliju al-nahaar fi al-layl. Wa huwa alimun bi dhat al-sudoor.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's power over the celestial cycles—He causes night to enter into day and day to enter into night, referring to the gradual transitions and the shortening and lengthening of daylight hours throughout the year. The second clause affirms that Allah is All-Knowing of what is in the hearts (intentions and secrets), emphasizing His complete knowledge encompasses both the physical universe and the hidden thoughts of creation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this ayah demonstrates Allah's sovereignty over creation while simultaneously affirming His omniscience of human hearts, suggesting accountability before the All-Knowing.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hadid is a Medinan surah revealed in the later Islamic period, focusing on themes of divine power, creation, and spiritual development. This particular ayah appears in a section (verses 1-6) that establishes Allah's fundamental attributes—His creation of the heavens and earth, His dominion over all things, and His complete knowledge. The thematic context emphasizes recognizing Allah's power in natural phenomena as a foundation for faith and moral responsibility.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best character' (Tirmidhi), relating to the mention of knowledge of hearts. Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari) connects to the theme of Allah's knowledge of the heart's intentions.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as Allah masterfully orchestrates the cycles of night and day with perfect precision, He similarly governs the human heart and is fully aware of our innermost intentions—this should inspire believers to cultivate sincere hearts and recognize that no action or thought is hidden from Allah's knowledge, motivating genuine righteousness rather than mere outward compliance.