أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزْجِى سَحَابًا ثُمَّ يُؤَلِّفُ بَيْنَهُۥ ثُمَّ يَجْعَلُهُۥ رُكَامًا فَتَرَى ٱلْوَدْقَ يَخْرُجُ مِنْ خِلَـٰلِهِۦ وَيُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن جِبَالٍ فِيهَا مِنۢ بَرَدٍ فَيُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَصْرِفُهُۥ عَن مَّن يَشَآءُ ۖ يَكَادُ سَنَا بَرْقِهِۦ يَذْهَبُ بِٱلْأَبْصَـٰرِ 43
Translations
Do you not see that Allāh drives clouds? Then He brings them together; then He makes them into a mass, and you see the rain emerge from within it. And He sends down from the sky, mountains [of clouds] within which is hail, and He strikes with it whom He wills and averts it from whom He wills. The flash of its lightning almost takes away the eyesight.
Transliteration
Alam tara anna Allaha yuzji sahaban thumma yuallifu baynahu thumma yajalu hu rukaman fatra al-wudqa yakhrujo min khilalihi wa yunazzilu mina al-samaa min jibadin fiha min baradin fayuseeb bihi man yashaa wa yasrifuhu an man yashaa yakadu sana barqihi yadhhabu bi-al-absaar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's power over weather phenomena, illustrating how He drives clouds together, compacts them into towering masses, and then brings forth rain and hail. The verse emphasizes Allah's complete sovereignty—He directs these blessings to whom He wills and withholds them from whom He wills—while the lightning's brightness is so intense it nearly overwhelms human sight. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir highlight this as evidence of Allah's perfect control over creation and a reminder of His ability to grant sustenance and punishment as He sees fit.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nur (The Light), a Medinan chapter revealed in the later Meccan or early Medinan period. The surah's broader context addresses various legal rulings and moral guidance for the Muslim community. This particular verse fits thematically within a passage emphasizing Allah's signs (ayat) in creation, inviting reflection on His power and wisdom displayed in natural phenomena.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (Book of Prayer) where the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught companions to seek shelter when thunder and lightning occur, reflecting reverence for these natural phenomena as signs of Allah's power. Additionally, hadiths encouraging the remembrance of Allah during rain (e.g., Muslim 897) connect to the gratitude these verses should inspire.
Themes
Key Lesson
Observing the intricate workings of weather systems should inspire awe at Allah's majesty and remind us of our dependence on Him for all provisions; this recognition cultivates humility and gratitude while reinforcing that all blessings and hardships ultimately stem from Allah's perfect wisdom and will.