وَٱلْقَمَرِ إِذَا ٱتَّسَقَ 18
Translations
And [by] the moon when it becomes full
Transliteration
Wal-qamari idha ittasaq
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the moon when it becomes full (at its peak brightness and completeness). The oath by the full moon is part of a series of divine oaths at the beginning of Surah Al-Inshiqaq, emphasizing the certainty of the Day of Judgment and divine reckoning. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'ittasaq' (اتّسق) as the moon reaching its perfect, complete form, highlighting how even celestial bodies testify to God's perfect creation and the reality of the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the opening of Surah Al-Inshiqaq, a Meccan chapter that begins with a series of solemn oaths by various celestial and earthly phenomena (the sky splitting, the stars scattering, the seas bursting forth, and the graves overturned). This context establishes the theme of cosmic upheaval on the Day of Judgment and divine accountability.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this specific ayah, the Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the full moon: 'You will see your Lord as you see this moon, and you will not be crowded in seeing Him' (Sahih Bukhari 7434), which metaphorically connects the clarity of the full moon to clarity of divine vision in the Hereafter.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as the moon reaches perfection in its fullness, believers should strive for spiritual completeness through obedience to God and preparation for the Day of Judgment. The certainty with which the moon completes its cycle should inspire confidence in the certainty of Allah's promise regarding the Hereafter.