وَجَعَلَ ٱلْقَمَرَ فِيهِنَّ نُورًا وَجَعَلَ ٱلشَّمْسَ سِرَاجًا 16
Translations
And made the moon therein a [reflected] light and made the sun a burning lamp?
Transliteration
Wa ja'ala al-qamara fihinna nuran wa ja'ala al-shamma sirajan
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah created the moon as a light within the heavens and made the sun as a lamp, each serving distinct purposes in illuminating the universe. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that 'nur' (light) for the moon suggests a reflected, softer illumination suitable for the night, while 'siraj' (lamp) for the sun denotes a burning, radiant source of direct light, emphasizing the perfection of divine creation in fulfilling the needs of all creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Nuh, which recounts Prophet Noah's preaching to his people over 950 years. This verse is part of Noah's reminder to his people about Allah's signs and blessings evident in creation, used as evidence of Allah's power and the necessity of monotheism. The surah emphasizes creation as proof of divine wisdom and the obligation to worship the Creator alone.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed because of the death or life of anyone. When you see an eclipse, remember Allah' (Sahih Bukhari, 1048). Additionally, the Quran mentions in Surah Ya-Sin (36:37-40) about the night and day as signs of Allah's creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites us to reflect upon the celestial order as evidence of Allah's infinite wisdom and power—a reminder that the universe's precise functioning should inspire gratitude and strengthen our faith. In our modern age of scientific knowledge, understanding these heavenly bodies should deepen our spiritual awe rather than diminish it, drawing us closer to recognizing the Creator behind all creation.