وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَإِدْبَـٰرَ ٱلنُّجُومِ 49
Translations
And in a part of the night exalt Him and after [the setting of] the stars.
Transliteration
Wa mina al-layli fa sabbihhu wa idbaara al-nujoom
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to glorify and praise Allah during the night and at the disappearance of the stars (at dawn). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as an instruction for night prayer and morning remembrance, emphasizing the spiritual importance of worshiping Allah during times when worldly distractions are minimal. The mention of stars disappearing refers to the approach of dawn, marking the transition from night to day as a time for concentrated devotion.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah At-Tur, a Meccan surah that emphasizes Allah's majesty and the duty of worship. The surah repeatedly commands the Prophet to glorify Allah and patience in preaching the message. This particular verse is part of a sequence encouraging night vigil and continuous remembrance, themes central to the Meccan period when the Prophet faced intense opposition.
Related Hadiths
The hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim where Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) described the Prophet's night prayers, noting his consistent practice of Tahajjud (night prayer) as a means of drawing close to Allah. Additionally, the hadith in Tirmidhi about the virtue of worshiping Allah when people are heedless reflects the spirit of this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that proximity to Allah is achieved through disciplined devotion, especially during quiet times when the heart is most receptive. Modern readers can apply this by establishing consistent practices of remembrance and prayer during early morning or night hours, understanding that such devotion strengthens one's relationship with the Divine and provides clarity amidst life's challenges.