ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ 5
Translations
The sun and the moon [move] by precise calculation,
Transliteration
Ash-shamsu wal-qamaru bihisaaban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the sun and moon moving in precise, calculated orbits according to divine laws. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'bihisaaban' (with calculation/reckoning) to mean that Allah has ordained fixed courses and times for both celestial bodies, demonstrating His perfect knowledge and control over creation. This precision is presented as evidence of Allah's divine wisdom and power, refuting any notion of randomness or independent causation in the universe.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rahman is a Medinan chapter that emphasizes Allah's blessings and mercies upon humanity. This particular ayah appears in the opening section where Allah recounts the signs of His creation and bounty, highlighting the orderly nature of the cosmos as a testament to His lordship and beneficence.
Related Hadiths
The Quran itself repeatedly connects celestial movements to divine order (see 21:33 on the sun and moon swimming in orbits). Related to this is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (ﷺ) explained the movements of heavenly bodies as part of Allah's creation, emphasizing pondering over Allah's signs in the heavens.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to reflect on the extraordinary precision governing the universe as a source of spiritual certainty in Allah's existence and perfect design, encouraging contemplation of creation as a means of strengthening faith and recognizing one's dependence on the All-Knowing Creator.