هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُنَزِّلُ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِۦٓ ءَايَـٰتٍۭ بَيِّنَـٰتٍ لِّيُخْرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُمْ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ 9
Translations
It is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muḥammad (ﷺ)] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And indeed, Allāh is to you Kind and Merciful.
Transliteration
Huwa alladhee yunazzilu ala abdihi ayatin bayyinatin liyukhrijkum mina al-thulumati ila al-nuri wa-inna Allaha bikum laraoofun rahimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah reveals clear signs (the Qur'an) to His servant Muhammad to guide humanity from darkness (spiritual ignorance and misguidance) into light (knowledge and guidance). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that the 'darkness' refers to polytheism, error, and moral corruption, while 'light' represents Islamic monotheism and righteous conduct. The ayah concludes by reassuring believers of Allah's tenderness and mercy toward them throughout this spiritual journey.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Hadid is a Medinan chapter revealed after the Prophet's migration to Medina. This particular ayah appears in a section emphasizing the Qur'an's role as divine guidance and establishing the Prophet's legitimacy as a messenger. It reflects the historical context where the Muslim community faced opposition and needed reassurance of Allah's compassionate guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Also relevant is the hadith: 'Guidance and knowledge that Allah has sent me with is like abundant rain falling on land' (Sahih Muslim 2282), emphasizing how revelation brings spiritual illumination.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that the Qur'an and Islamic teachings serve as a practical light for humanity's spiritual journey, and that Allah's guidance is offered with profound mercy and tenderness. For modern readers, this emphasizes that seeking divine knowledge and guidance is not merely an intellectual exercise but a compassionate invitation from the Most Merciful toward a better, more meaningful life.