فَقَضَىٰهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَاتٍ فِى يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَىٰ فِى كُلِّ سَمَآءٍ أَمْرَهَا ۚ وَزَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَـٰبِيحَ وَحِفْظًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ 12
Translations
And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired [i.e., made known] in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps [i.e., stars, for beauty] and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.
Transliteration
Faqadaahunna saba'a samawatin fee yawmayn wa awha fee kulli samaa'in amraha wa zayyanna al-sama'a al-dunya bimisabih wa hifzan dhalika taqdiru al-azizi al-alim
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah completed the creation of the seven heavens in two days (out of the six days of creation), and revealed to each heaven its appointed laws and functions. The lowest heaven (our visible sky) was adorned with stars and lamps for illumination and as a means of protection. This verse emphasizes Allah's perfect planning and knowledge in creating an ordered, well-regulated universe. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that the 'two days' refers to days two and three of creation (after creating the earth on day one), highlighting the divine wisdom in the sequential ordering of creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Fussilat (Chapter 41), a Meccan surah that elaborates on the creation narrative to convince the polytheists of Allah's oneness and power. The surrounding verses (41:9-12) describe the entire creation account in six days, and this specific verse addresses the creation and organization of the heavens, serving as evidence against those who deny the resurrection and divine authority.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas describes the creation of the heavens and earth in six days, corresponding to this account. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains hadith literature discussing the stars (kawakib) as signs and means of navigation, relating to the 'masabih' (lamps/stars) mentioned in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that every aspect of creation, from the grandest celestial bodies to the smallest detail, follows divine purpose and order. Reflecting on the organized complexity of the universe should strengthen our faith in Allah's infinite wisdom and encourage us to recognize His signs in all creation.