أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُولِجُ ٱلَّيْلَ فِى ٱلنَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فِى ٱلَّيْلِ وَسَخَّرَ ٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِىٓ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ 29
Translations
Do you not see [i.e., know] that Allāh causes the night to enter the day and causes the day to enter the night and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term, and that Allāh, of whatever you do, is Aware?
Transliteration
Alam tara anna Allaha yuliju al-layla fi al-nahari wa yuliju al-nahara fi al-layli wa sakhkhara al-shams wa al-qamar kullun yajri ila ajal musammun wa anna Allaha bima tamalun khabir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah directs the reader's attention to the signs (ayat) of Allah's power demonstrated in the natural world: the intermingling of night and day, and the subjugation of the sun and moon to precise orbits with predetermined lifespans. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that 'yulij' (to make one enter into) refers to the gradual increase of daylight as night decreases and vice versa, illustrating the seamless order of creation. The ayah concludes by reminding humanity that Allah is fully aware of all their deeds, establishing a connection between contemplating divine creation and moral accountability.
Revelation Context
Surah Luqman is a Meccan surah primarily focused on moral and spiritual instruction, often presenting parental wisdom and ethical guidance. This ayah appears within a section encouraging reflection on creation's signs (cosmic signs) as evidence of Allah's oneness and power, part of the broader Quranic theme of using nature to guide people toward faith and righteousness.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever reflects upon the creation of the heavens and earth will find signs of Allah's greatness' - a thematic connection found in various hadith collections. Additionally, Surah Yunus 5 contains a closely parallel ayah with similar wording about the sun and moon, reinforcing this message throughout the Quran.
Themes
Key Lesson
By observing the precise, orderly motion of celestial bodies and the perfect balance between night and day, believers should recognize Allah's supreme wisdom and power, which should inspire both awe and accountability, knowing that just as Allah governs the cosmos with perfect knowledge, He is equally aware of every action we undertake.