مَرَجَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ 19
Translations
He released the two seas, meeting [one another];
Transliteration
Maraja al-bahrayni yaltaqiyani
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the meeting of two seas (fresh and salt water) while maintaining their distinct properties and not mixing. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain this as a reference to the natural phenomenon where rivers meet oceans, or where different bodies of water come together, yet a barrier (barzakh) prevents their immediate mixing. This demonstrates Allah's precision in creation and the intricate balance He maintains in nature, serving as a sign (ayah) of His divine wisdom and power.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rahman, a Medinan surah that emphasizes the signs (ayat) of Allah's creation and His blessings upon humanity. The surah systematically presents examples from the natural world to evoke contemplation and gratitude toward the Creator. This particular ayah fits within a broader section describing the marvels of the oceanic world.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly comments on this ayah, Hadith Qudsi emphasizes Allah's creation: 'Everything is easy for Allah' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, hadiths encourage reflection on creation as a means to strengthen faith, consistent with the surah's purpose of spiritual enrichment through natural observations.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to observe the natural world with reverence and scientific curiosity, recognizing that the intricate balance in creation—such as the separation of waters—reflects Allah's perfect design and wisdom. It encourages us to move beyond mere existence and contemplate how every detail of creation demonstrates purposeful divine engineering.
Related Ayahs
فَأَنشَأْنَا لَكُم بِهِۦ جَنَّـٰتٍ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَـٰبٍ لَّكُمْ فِيهَا فَوَٰكِهُ كَثِيرَةٌ وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ
And We brought forth for you thereby gardens of palm trees and grapevines in which for you are abundant fruits and from which you eat.
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى سَخَّرَ ٱلْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا۟ مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُوا۟ مِنْهُ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى ٱلْفُلْكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.
وَٱللَّهُ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَآ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ
And Allāh has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.
ٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحْىِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ
Know that Allāh gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. We have made clear to you the signs; perhaps you will understand.