فَفَتَحْنَآ أَبْوَٰبَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ بِمَآءٍ مُّنْهَمِرٍ 11
Translations
Then We opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down
Transliteration
Fafatahna abwaba as-sama'i bimaa'in munhamirin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah opening the gates of heaven with water pouring down in torrents during the flood of Prophet Nuh (Noah). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'abwab as-sama' (gates of the heavens) refers to the divine mechanism through which rain falls, emphasizing that the catastrophic flood was a direct intervention from Allah. The phrase 'maa'in munhamirin' (pouring water) depicts the intensity and relentlessness of the divine punishment upon those who rejected Nuh's message.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qamar's recounting of the story of Prophet Nuh and the Great Flood. The surah, revealed in Mecca during the early period, uses historical narratives as warnings to the Quraysh who rejected Prophet Muhammad's message, drawing parallels between their disbelief and that of Nuh's people.
Related Hadiths
The story of Nuh's flood is referenced in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the destructive nature of the flood as a sign of Allah's justice. Additionally, Surah Al-Qamar 54:10-12 is contextually related to hadiths about the patience of the prophets in face of rejection.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejection of divine guidance carries severe consequences and that Allah's justice is absolute and inescapable. It serves as a timeless warning to respond to the message of truth before it becomes too late, encouraging reflection on our own acceptance of faith and obedience to Allah's commandments.