وَٱلْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْنَـٰهُ مَنَازِلَ حَتَّىٰ عَادَ كَٱلْعُرْجُونِ ٱلْقَدِيمِ 39
Translations
And the moon - We have determined for it phases, until it returns [appearing] like the old date stalk.
Transliteration
Wal-qamara qaddarnahu manazila hatta AAada kal-AAurjuni al-qadeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah has ordained the moon to pass through different phases (mansions/stations) throughout its lunar cycle until it returns to its crescent form like an old curved palm branch stem. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as evidence of Allah's precise determination and wisdom in creation, demonstrating the mathematical perfection of the lunar cycle that was used by the Arabs to mark time and seasons. The comparison to the old dried date palm stem (al-'urjun al-qadim) emphasizes the thin, curved crescent appearance of the moon at the end of its cycle.
Revelation Context
Surah Ya-Sin is a Meccan surah focused on affirming divine signs and the consequences of rejecting the message. This ayah appears within a section (verses 37-40) that enumerates Allah's cosmic signs and demonstrates His power through the orderly movements of celestial bodies, serving as proof of His existence and ability to resurrect.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said regarding the moon: 'The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone' (Sahih Bukhari 1059). This hadith reinforces the Quranic theme of celestial bodies as divine signs independent of earthly events.
Themes
Key Lesson
The perfect and predictable cycles of the moon reflect Allah's meticulous planning and demonstrate that creation operates according to divine wisdom, not chance—a reality that should inspire awe in the Creator and confidence in His management of all affairs, including our own lives and destinies.