وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَـٰبِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَـٰهَا رُجُومًا لِّلشَّيَـٰطِينِ ۖ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ ٱلسَّعِيرِ 5
Translations
And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with lamps [i.e., stars] and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad zayyannā as-samā'a ad-dunyā bi-masābīḥ wa-jaʿalnāhā rujūman lil-shayāṭīn wa-aʿtadnā lahum ʿadhāba as-saʿīr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah has adorned the lower heavens (the visible sky) with stars as lamps, and has made these stars as missiles to stone the devils who attempt to eavesdrop on the Divine Realm. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that the stars serve a dual purpose: beautifying creation for human contemplation and serving as a defense against satanic intrusion. The ayah culminates with a reminder that a severe punishment (hellfire) awaits the devils, emphasizing divine justice and protection over creation.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Mulk is a Meccan surah revealed in the early Islamic period, focusing on divine sovereignty and the signs of Allah's dominion. This particular ayah is part of the surah's broader theme of highlighting the astronomical marvels as evidence of Allah's power and wisdom, encouraging reflection on the Creator through observation of the creation.
Related Hadiths
The concept is referenced in various hadiths regarding the stoning of devils. Ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) explained that when a truthful piece of news descends from the heavens, the angels discuss it, and the devils try to listen but are struck by meteors (Sahih Bukhari 3210). This relates to the protective function of stars mentioned in the ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to reflect on the natural world as evidence of Allah's perfect design and care—the same Creator who adorns the heavens for our wonder also protects us from unseen spiritual harm. It teaches that evil and its perpetrators (the devils) are ultimately powerless against Allah's will and face inevitable punishment, providing comfort and assurance to the faithful.