أَفَرَءَيْتُم مَّا تُمْنُونَ 58
Translations
Have you seen that which you emit?
Transliteration
Afara'aytum ma tumnoona
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses humanity with a rhetorical question: 'Have you considered that which you emit?' referring to the sperm/semen. This ayah introduces a profound reflection on human reproduction and creation, challenging people to contemplate the divine miracle of procreation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize this as evidence of Allah's creative power and majesty, compelling humans to recognize their dependence on the Divine for the continuation of life itself.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan surah focused on the Day of Judgment and signs of Allah's power. The broader context (verses 57-74) elaborates on the stages of human creation—from the emission of sperm through conception to birth—to awaken people to Allah's omnipotence and their own fragility, serving as a powerful argument against those who deny resurrection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Each of you is created in the womb of your mother for forty days as a nutfah (sperm drop)...' (Sahih Bukhari 3208). Additionally, Surah Al-Waqi'ah's themes connect to the hadith about contemplating creation: 'Consider the creation of one of you in the belly of his mother' (Sahih Muslim 2644).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to pause and reflect deeply on the miraculous process of human creation as evidence of Allah's supreme wisdom and power, fostering humility and gratitude. By contemplating our own origin from something seemingly insignificant, we strengthen our faith and recognize our ultimate dependence on and accountability before our Creator.