Topic: Day And Night
View Aspects
إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱلْفُلْكِ ٱلَّتِى تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن مَّآءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ ٱلرِّيَٰحِ وَٱلسَّحَابِ ٱلْمُسَخَّرِ بَيْنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
The Qur’an takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken collectively. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, and a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible for one to escape the conclusion, that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that pervades it forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by One Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet,
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
Important Words:
اختلاف (alternation) is derived from خلف. They say خلفه i.e. he or it was or became his or its successor. خلف الرجل means, he came after or remained after the man and stood in his place. اختلفه means, he followed him as his successor. اختلفوا means (1) they came one after another by turn; (2) they differed or disagreed (Aqrab).
الفلك (ships) is derived from the verb فلك meaning, it became round or circular. الفلك (al-fulk) means a ship, or a boat, probably because it looks round and shapeless when seen at sea from a distance. The word is both singular and plural. الفلك (al-falak) means, the vault of heaven or the firmament in which the stars move. This is also probably owing to the apparently round shape of the sky (Aqrab, Mufradat & Lane).
دابة (beast) is the active participle from دب which means, he or it crept or crawled or walked slowly like an ant or a reptile or a child or a weak or sickly person. دابة means, all such animals or insects as creep or crawl or walk slowly (Aqrab). The word is used about all moving animals, whether big or small, whether walking on two legs or on four legs or creeping on the belly, etc. (24:46). It is also used about beasts used for riding or for carrying burden, like the horse, the mule, the donkey, etc. (Lane).
المسخر (pressed into service) is the passive participle from سخر sakhkhara. They say سخره (sakhkhara-hu or سخره sakhara-hu, not سخر sakhira which gives a different meaning), i.e. (1) he employed him or imposed on him a task without compensation; (2) he subjugated him and made him subservient to himself. Thus مسخر is that who or which has been made subservient to another, being unable to free himself or itself from constraint (Aqrab).
Commentary:
This verse gives a twofold meaning, one literal and the other metaphorical. In the former sense, it supplies an argument in support of the existence of God referred to in the preceding verse. A careful study of the universe unfailingly points to a Creator on the one hand and to man being created with a definite object on the other. It also proves that, having created the world, God did not leave it alone but continues to watch over and control its affairs and is the First Cause of all change and every working in the universe. Heaven and earth, night and day (with alternating light and darkness), the supply of provisions, rainfall with its power of quickening and devastating, the means of communications, the blowing of winds, and shade and sunshine, all point to one controlling agency, God, the Maker of heavens and earth. And if God has done so much for the material requirements of man, He cannot be imagined to have neglected his spiritual needs which are much more important. Let all thinking men think and ponder and again think and ponder.
The Quran takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken together. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, or a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible to escape the conclusion that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that prevails throughout the universe, forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by one Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing.
Taken in the metaphorical sense, the ship mentioned in the verse will be taken to stand for Prophets who help men to cross the gulfs of carnal desires and materialistic concepts of things which separate men from God, rain being likened to God’s revelation which comes down like rain and gives life to the world after it has become dead. The clouds send down no new water. Water already exists in the vast oceans of the earth but, as it is impure, men cannot make use of it. God purifies it and changes it into clouds and then sends it back to earth in the form of pure rainwater. Similarly, by sending a new revelation God purifies beliefs, which, with the passage of time, get mixed up with false notions and superstitious ideas. It is inconceivable that God Who supplies man with fresh rainwater for the maintenance of his physical life should have omitted to supply him with heavenly water which is so necessary for the preservation of his spiritual life. Similarly, night and day stand for the alternating periods of light and darkness, it being hinted that the coming of the Holy Prophet heralds the dawn of a new day.
Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature in the verse under comment, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet, because the whole universe is controlled by God and is working in favour of His Prophet and in furthering his cause.
f
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
a
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
171
Important Words:
اختلاف (alternation) is derived from خلف. They say خلفه i.e. he or it was or became his or its successor. خلف الرجل means, he came after or remained after the man and stood in his place. اختلفه means, he followed him as his successor. اختلفوا means (1) they came one after another by turn; (2) they differed or disagreed (Aqrab).
الفلك (ships) is derived from the verb فلك meaning, it became round or circular. الفلك (al-fulk) means a ship, or a boat, probably because it looks round and shapeless when seen at sea from a distance. The word is both singular and plural. الفلك (al-falak) means, the vault of heaven or the firmament in which the stars move. This is also probably owing to the apparently round shape of the sky (Aqrab, Mufradat & Lane).
دابة (beast) is the active participle from دب which means, he or it crept or crawled or walked slowly like an ant or a reptile or a child or a weak or sickly person. دابة means, all such animals or insects as creep or crawl or walk slowly (Aqrab). The word is used about all moving animals, whether big or small, whether walking on two legs or on four legs or creeping on the belly, etc. (24:46). It is also used about beasts used for riding or for carrying burden, like the horse, the mule, the donkey, etc. (Lane).
المسخر (pressed into service) is the passive participle from سخر sakhkhara. They say سخره (sakhkhara-hu or سخره sakhara-hu, not سخر sakhira which gives a different meaning), i.e. (1) he employed him or imposed on him a task without compensation; (2) he subjugated him and made him subservient to himself. Thus مسخر is that who or which has been made subservient to another, being unable to free himself or itself from constraint (Aqrab).
Commentary:
This verse gives a twofold meaning, one literal and the other metaphorical. In the former sense, it supplies an argument in support of the existence of God referred to in the preceding verse. A careful study of the universe unfailingly points to a Creator on the one hand and to man being created with a definite object on the other. It also proves that, having created the world, God did not leave it alone but continues to watch over and control its affairs and is the First Cause of all change and every working in the universe. Heaven and earth, night and day (with alternating light and darkness), the supply of provisions, rainfall with its power of quickening and devastating, the means of communications, the blowing of winds, and shade and sunshine, all point to one controlling agency, God, the Maker of heavens and earth. And if God has done so much for the material requirements of man, He cannot be imagined to have neglected his spiritual needs which are much more important. Let all thinking men think and ponder and again think and ponder.
The Quran takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken together. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, or a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible to escape the conclusion that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that prevails throughout the universe, forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by one Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing.
Taken in the metaphorical sense, the ship mentioned in the verse will be taken to stand for Prophets who help men to cross the gulfs of carnal desires and materialistic concepts of things which separate men from God, rain being likened to God’s revelation which comes down like rain and gives life to the world after it has become dead. The clouds send down no new water. Water already exists in the vast oceans of the earth but, as it is impure, men cannot make use of it. God purifies it and changes it into clouds and then sends it back to earth in the form of pure rainwater. Similarly, by sending a new revelation God purifies beliefs, which, with the passage of time, get mixed up with false notions and superstitious ideas. It is inconceivable that God Who supplies man with fresh rainwater for the maintenance of his physical life should have omitted to supply him with heavenly water which is so necessary for the preservation of his spiritual life. Similarly, night and day stand for the alternating periods of light and darkness, it being hinted that the coming of the Holy Prophet heralds the dawn of a new day.
Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature in the verse under comment, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet, because the whole universe is controlled by God and is working in favour of His Prophet and in furthering his cause.
e
3:191; 10:7; 30:23; 45:6.
188
The Qur’an takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. The objects of nature taken individually do not furnish such conclusive evidence of the existence of God as the whole universe taken collectively. The earth may be said to owe its existence to a fortuitous concourse of atoms, and a similar reason may be given for the origin of the sun and the moon and so on. But when the universe as one united whole and the deep order that permeates it are taken into consideration, it becomes impossible for one to escape the conclusion, that this universe has not come into existence accidentally. Indeed, the consummate harmony that pervades it forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by One Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing. Moreover, by laying special emphasis on the study of the phenomena of nature, the attention of disbelievers is also drawn to the fact that they could not possibly hope to succeed in their designs against the Holy Prophet,
إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must needs be followed by one of sunshine and happiness.
2:165; 3:28; 45:6.
Commentary:
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must be followed by one of sunshine and happiness. For further explanation of this verse see next verse.
d
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
b
2:165; 3:28; 45:6.
473
Commentary:
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must be followed by one of sunshine and happiness. For further explanation of this verse see next verse.
c
2:165; 3:28; 45:4-6.
546
The lesson implied in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day is that man has been created both for spiritual and temporal progress, and that if he acts righteously, his period of darkness and affliction must needs be followed by one of sunshine and happiness.
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَٰطِلًا سُبْحَٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
38:28.
如果没有明确的目的, 前节经文所提及的宏大体系当然不能存在。由于创造整个宇宙是为人效劳, 所以人本身的创造就必须具有宏大的目的。当人在思考创造宇宙这一自然现象含有精神方面的意思以及支配这种自然现象的完美的秩序时, 他深为创造者的智慧所感动, 并从内心深处惊叹: “我们的养主啊！你没有徒劳无益地创造了天地。”
38:28.
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
The grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man himself must have a great purpose. When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of the universe and the consummate order that pervades it, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this universe in vain.
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
38:28.
Important Words:
باطلا (in vain) is derived from بطل meaning, it was or became false or vain, or void or futile or devoid of virtue or of no account. They say ذھب دمه باطلا meaning his blood went for nothing, i.e. went unretaliated. بطل فی حدیثه means, he jested or was not serious in his discourse. باطل therefore, means: false, spurious, vain, useless, void and of no account (Lane).
Commentary:
Such a grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The phenomenon of day and night referred to in the preceding verse affords an illustration of how this purpose is served. With the rising of the sun the whole world is illuminated, and men begin to work. Then night falls and the light of the sun is hidden from our view and men go to sleep, but even then some heavenly bodies are busy doing their allotted task. Thus both during day and night heavenly bodies perform their appointed functions and loyally serve man. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man must also have a great purpose. Of men, some are bright in themselves like the sun, and there are others who possess no intrinsic light of their own but borrow it from others. Such men as place themselves in right relation to the Sun of the spiritual realm become enlightened, while those that keep away from it are left in the dark.
When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of heavens and earth, the alteration of day, and night and the consummate order that pervades the universe, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain. Then apprehension takes hold of him lest he should become deprived of the light of the spiritual Sun and he cries out: Save us from the punishment of Fire, which is nothing but being overtaken by spiritual darkness and moral degradation.
e
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
f
38:28.
301
如果没有明确的目的, 前节经文所提及的宏大体系当然不能存在。由于创造整个宇宙是为人效劳, 所以人本身的创造就必须具有宏大的目的。当人在思考创造宇宙这一自然现象含有精神方面的意思以及支配这种自然现象的完美的秩序时, 他深为创造者的智慧所感动, 并从内心深处惊叹: “我们的养主啊！你没有徒劳无益地创造了天地。”
c
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
d
38:28.
474
Important Words:
باطلا (in vain) is derived from بطل meaning, it was or became false or vain, or void or futile or devoid of virtue or of no account. They say ذھب دمه باطلا meaning his blood went for nothing, i.e. went unretaliated. بطل فی حدیثه means, he jested or was not serious in his discourse. باطل therefore, means: false, spurious, vain, useless, void and of no account (Lane).
Commentary:
Such a grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The phenomenon of day and night referred to in the preceding verse affords an illustration of how this purpose is served. With the rising of the sun the whole world is illuminated, and men begin to work. Then night falls and the light of the sun is hidden from our view and men go to sleep, but even then some heavenly bodies are busy doing their allotted task. Thus both during day and night heavenly bodies perform their appointed functions and loyally serve man. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man must also have a great purpose. Of men, some are bright in themselves like the sun, and there are others who possess no intrinsic light of their own but borrow it from others. Such men as place themselves in right relation to the Sun of the spiritual realm become enlightened, while those that keep away from it are left in the dark.
When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of heavens and earth, the alteration of day, and night and the consummate order that pervades the universe, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain. Then apprehension takes hold of him lest he should become deprived of the light of the spiritual Sun and he cries out: Save us from the punishment of Fire, which is nothing but being overtaken by spiritual darkness and moral degradation.
a
38:28.
d
4:104; 10:13; 39:10; 62:11.
547
The grand system to which an allusion has been made in the previous verse could certainly not have been brought into being without a definite purpose. The whole universe having been created to serve man, the creation of man himself must have a great purpose. When man ponders over the spiritual implication of the physical phenomenon of the creation of the universe and the consummate order that pervades it, he is deeply impressed by the great wisdom of the Creator, and from the inmost depths of his being rises the cry: Our Lord, Thou hast not created this universe in vain.
إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ يُغْشِى ٱلَّيْلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۭ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ ۗ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْخَلْقُ وَٱلْأَمْرُ ۗ تَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
13:4; 36:38.
10:4; 11:8; 25:60; 32:5; 41:10-13; 50:39; 57:5.
اَيَّامْ (Ayyam) 是 يَوْم (Yaum) 的复数, 只是意指时间 (1:4); 或者它可意指一段不定的时间, 或者一件事物发展的一个阶段。它不可能推测或肯定这一时期的长短。它可能是 “一千年”, (22:48) 或者 “五万年”。(70:5) 可是Yaum这个单词在这里或者在 «古兰经» 其它任何经文中肯定不是指地球自转所决定的时期。安拉没有给我们透露过所有他的日期和范围。如果安拉的有些日期长达千年以上, 另外一些长达五万年以上, 那么, 还有些可以长达百万年或亿万年以上。科学揭露了这样一事实: 天地经历了亿万年的时期才演变成它们现在这个形状。杰出的穆斯林学者穆海•艾尔•丁•伊本•阿拉比 (مُحْيیُ الدِّيْن اِبْنِ عَرَِبی, Muhyud-Din Ibn-e-Arabi) 的远见, 使人们得到相似的结论。这样, 我们不能绝对肯定完成天地创造这 “六天” 的长度是多久。安拉在不同时期内进行不同的改变工作, 有的花一千年, 另外的花五万年, 还有的甚至花更长的时期。我们能够说的只是, 天地的创造经历了六个很长的周期才趋完全。
( عَرْشArsh) (宝座、帝位) 代表安拉超绝无比的常德 (صِفَات تَنْزِيْهِيَّة, Sifate-Tanzihiyyah), 即任何其它存在物中不能见到的许多常德。在 «忠诚» 章中提及的四个常德, 是他超越无比的常德。这些常德是永恒不变的, 是通过安拉 (类似) 相像的常德 (صِفَات تَشْبِيْهِيَّة, Sifate-Tashbihiyyah)--------即在其它存在物中也或多或少可以见到的那些常德--------显示出来的。后面的这些常德被称为帝位的支持者。它们是众世界的养主, 无限博爱的主, 永久仁慈的主和审判日子的主。帝位代表安拉越绝无比的常德从23:117经文中也可清楚地看出, 它说明 “安拉的独一性” 与他的帝位是密切有关的, 因为正是这种超越无比的常德确实证明安拉独一性, 而安拉的其它的常德人类与他在不同程度上是共有的。 “稳固地奠立了帝位” 这几个字的意思是, 在创造了物质的宇宙之后, 安拉超越无比的常德和相像 (类似) 的常德开始活动, 世界上一切事情都开始按自然界规定的法则运行, 而且它们运行的秩序变得非常完美。(The Larger Edition of the Commentary pp.973-976)。
خَلْق (Khalq, 创造) 与 اَمْر (Amr, 命令) 的区别是, 前一个单词一般的意思是从先前存在的物质中衡量或推断 (演变) 出一件事物; 而后一个单词意味着在没有物质的情况下要产生一件事情, 只发出一个命令用的单词 “有”。 “创造只是他的工作, 制定规定也只是他的工作” 这句话的意思也可以是, 安拉不仅创造了宇宙, 而且行使权威并 (指挥) 控制宇宙。Amr也可意指 “制定法律”。
یعنی نظامِ شمسی اس طرح چلتا ہے کہ یوں معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ جیسے سورج چاند کو پکڑ رہا ہے اور چاند سورج کو پکڑ رہا ہے یعنی تیز رفتاری سے دونوں چکر لگا رہے ہیں جس کے نتیجہ میں رات اور دن پیدا ہوتے ہیں۔
سَخَّرَ کے معنے ہوتے ہیں کَلَّفَہٗ عَمَـلًا بِلَا اُجْرَۃٍ بغیر تنخواہ یا وظیفہ کے کام کرے۔ (اقرب)
13:4; 36:38.
10:4; 11:8; 25:60; 32:5; 41:10-13; 50:39; 57:5.
Ayyam is the plural of Yaum which denotes time absolutely (1:4); or it may signify an indefinite period, or a stage in the development of a thing. It is not possible to surmise and define the length of this period. It may be "a thousand years" (22:48), or "fifty thousand years" (70:5). But the word Yaum definitely does not refer here or in any other verse of the Qur’an as the period of time determined by the rotation of the earth on its axis. God has not disclosed to us the extent of all His days. If some of God’s days extend over a thousand years and others over fifty thousand years, there may be still others which extend over millions or billions of years. Science has disclosed the fact that it took the heavens and the earth millions of years to be evolved into their present shape. A vision of the eminent Muslim scholar, Muhyud-Din Ibn-e- ‘Arabi, leads one to a similar conclusion. Thus we cannot definitely determine the length of the "six days" during which the creation of the
See {54}.
‘Arsh (Throne) represents God’s transcendent attributes (Sifate- Tanzihiyyah), i.e. such attributes as are not found in any other being. The four attributes of God mentioned in Surah Ikhlas are His transcendent attributes. These attributes are eternal and unchangeable and are manifested through God’s attributes of similitude (Sifate-Tashbihiyyah), i.e. such attributes as are found more or less in other beings also. These latter attributes are said to be the bearers of the ‘Arsh. They are Rabbul-‘Alamin, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim and Maliki Yaumid-Din. That ‘Arsh represents the transcendent attributes of God is also clear from 23:117 which shows that the "Unity of God" and His ‘Arsh are intimately connected, for it is the transcendent attributes which constitute the real proof of Divine Unity, other attributes of God being shared by man in different degrees. The words, "Settled Himself on the Throne" signify that aft
The distinction between Khalq (creation) and Amr (command) is that while the former word generally means, the measuring out or evolving of a thing out of pre-existing matter, the latter means, bringing into being without matter by uttering the simple command word "be." The clause, His is the creation and the command, may also mean that God has not only created the universe but He also exercises authority and command over it. Amr also means, the making of laws.
10:4; 11:8; 25:60; 32:5; 41:10-13; 50:39; 57:5.
13:4; 36:38.
Important Words:
عرش (Throne) is substantive from the verb عرش which means, he constructed or built a shed or a building, etc. عرش البیتmeans, he built or constructed the house. عرش بالمکان means, he put up, or lodged, in the house. The saying من العرش الی الفرشmeans, from the highest sphere to the lowness of the earth. عرش means, a shed or building constructed for shade; a house in an absolute sense; a dwelling or a place of abode; the wood upon which one stands when drawing water; the roof of a house or the like; the throne or the seat of a king; the means of support of a thing or an affair; might or power; regal power; sovereignty; dominion. The expression استوی علی العرش means, He (God) reigned as King; He settled Himself on the Throne; He was or became established on the Throne of Power and Majesty (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:30 & 6:142.
Commentary:
The word یوم (day) also means "time" absolutely (1:4); and it is in this sense that the word has been used in the present verse. It is difficult to say how long these six periods of time were in which, according to this verse, the heavens and the earth were created. They may have extended over hundreds of thousands of years. The word ایام (days) evidently is not used here in the sense of ordinary days of 24 hours, because such days are determined by the rising and setting of the sun and the sun itself, being a part of this universe, came into existence simultaneously with it.
The word ثم (then) shows that after completing the creation of the heavens and the earth in six "days" or six "periods", God settled Himself on the Throne on the seventh day. As the Arabic word سبع (seven) is generally used as a symbol of perfection, the expression would signify that on the seventh day when God became established on the Throne of His Power and Majesty, the universe became in perfect working order.
The "night and day" mentioned in the clause, He makes the night cover the day, have been mentioned here as symbolizing sin and virtue. In fact, the phenomenon of sin in a perfectly ordered universe is explainable only by the phenomenon of night. Just as that part of the earth which is hidden from the sun is covered by darkness; similarly, when a man turns away from God, he becomes involved in the darkness of sin; but when he turns his face towards God, the day dawns for him and he basks in the light of truth and righteousness.
The words, He makes the night cover the day which pursues it swiftly, are explained in 2:165 by the expression "the alternation of night and day." The clause may also imply that it is God’s سنة or practice that after a period of darkness He brings a period of light so that mankind may not suffer.
By using the word مسخرات (all made subservient) with respect to the sun, the moon and the stars, the verse reminds us that it was not in the power of man to make all these planets serve him and that it is God alone Who has placed them at his service. Therefore, if, in spite of these great favours, he would not listen to God’s voice, he would be marked as a transgressor and consequently merit His punishment.
The distinction between خلق (the creation) and امر (the command) is that while the former generally means, the measuring out or evolving of a thing out of pre-existing matter, the latter means, bringing into being without matter by uttering the simple command "Be". The clause, His is the creation and the command, may also mean that God has not only created the universe but also exercises authority and command over it.
For the words, He settled Himself on the Throne, see under 10:4 where the expressions "Divine Throne", and "God’s settling on it" have been fully dealt with.
a
13:4; 36:38.
b
10:4; 11:8; 25:60; 32:5; 41:10-13; 50:39; 57:5.
497
اَيَّامْ (Ayyam) 是 يَوْم (Yaum) 的复数, 只是意指时间 (1:4); 或者它可意指一段不定的时间, 或者一件事物发展的一个阶段。它不可能推测或肯定这一时期的长短。它可能是 “一千年”, (22:48) 或者 “五万年”。(70:5) 可是Yaum这个单词在这里或者在 «古兰经» 其它任何经文中肯定不是指地球自转所决定的时期。安拉没有给我们透露过所有他的日期和范围。如果安拉的有些日期长达千年以上, 另外一些长达五万年以上, 那么, 还有些可以长达百万年或亿万年以上。科学揭露了这样一事实: 天地经历了亿万年的时期才演变成它们现在这个形状。杰出的穆斯林学者穆海•艾尔•丁•伊本•阿拉比 (مُحْيیُ الدِّيْن اِبْنِ عَرَِبی, Muhyud-Din Ibn-e-Arabi) 的远见, 使人们得到相似的结论。这样, 我们不能绝对肯定完成天地创造这 “六天” 的长度是多久。安拉在不同时期内进行不同的改变工作, 有的花一千年, 另外的花五万年, 还有的甚至花更长的时期。我们能够说的只是, 天地的创造经历了六个很长的周期才趋完全。
498
( عَرْشArsh) (宝座、帝位) 代表安拉超绝无比的常德 (صِفَات تَنْزِيْهِيَّة, Sifate-Tanzihiyyah), 即任何其它存在物中不能见到的许多常德。在 «忠诚» 章中提及的四个常德, 是他超越无比的常德。这些常德是永恒不变的, 是通过安拉 (类似) 相像的常德 (صِفَات تَشْبِيْهِيَّة, Sifate-Tashbihiyyah)--------即在其它存在物中也或多或少可以见到的那些常德--------显示出来的。后面的这些常德被称为帝位的支持者。它们是众世界的养主, 无限博爱的主, 永久仁慈的主和审判日子的主。帝位代表安拉越绝无比的常德从23:117经文中也可清楚地看出, 它说明 “安拉的独一性” 与他的帝位是密切有关的, 因为正是这种超越无比的常德确实证明安拉独一性, 而安拉的其它的常德人类与他在不同程度上是共有的。 “稳固地奠立了帝位” 这几个字的意思是, 在创造了物质的宇宙之后, 安拉超越无比的常德和相像 (类似) 的常德开始活动, 世界上一切事情都开始按自然界规定的法则运行, 而且它们运行的秩序变得非常完美。(The Larger Edition of the Commentary pp.973-976)。
499
خَلْق (Khalq, 创造) 与 اَمْر (Amr, 命令) 的区别是, 前一个单词一般的意思是从先前存在的物质中衡量或推断 (演变) 出一件事物; 而后一个单词意味着在没有物质的情况下要产生一件事情, 只发出一个命令用的单词 “有”。 “创造只是他的工作, 制定规定也只是他的工作” 这句话的意思也可以是, 安拉不仅创造了宇宙, 而且行使权威并 (指挥) 控制宇宙。Amr也可意指 “制定法律”。
1
یعنی نظامِ شمسی اس طرح چلتا ہے کہ یوں معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ جیسے سورج چاند کو پکڑ رہا ہے اور چاند سورج کو پکڑ رہا ہے یعنی تیز رفتاری سے دونوں چکر لگا رہے ہیں جس کے نتیجہ میں رات اور دن پیدا ہوتے ہیں۔
2
سَخَّرَ کے معنے ہوتے ہیں کَلَّفَہٗ عَمَـلًا بِلَا اُجْرَۃٍ بغیر تنخواہ یا وظیفہ کے کام کرے۔ (اقرب)
a
10:4; 11:8; 25:60; 32:5; 41:10-13; 50:39; 57:5.
b
13:4; 36:38.
954
Important Words:
عرش (Throne) is substantive from the verb عرش which means, he constructed or built a shed or a building, etc. عرش البیتmeans, he built or constructed the house. عرش بالمکان means, he put up, or lodged, in the house. The saying من العرش الی الفرشmeans, from the highest sphere to the lowness of the earth. عرش means, a shed or building constructed for shade; a house in an absolute sense; a dwelling or a place of abode; the wood upon which one stands when drawing water; the roof of a house or the like; the throne or the seat of a king; the means of support of a thing or an affair; might or power; regal power; sovereignty; dominion. The expression استوی علی العرش means, He (God) reigned as King; He settled Himself on the Throne; He was or became established on the Throne of Power and Majesty (Lane & Aqrab). See also 2:30 & 6:142.
Commentary:
The word یوم (day) also means "time" absolutely (1:4); and it is in this sense that the word has been used in the present verse. It is difficult to say how long these six periods of time were in which, according to this verse, the heavens and the earth were created. They may have extended over hundreds of thousands of years. The word ایام (days) evidently is not used here in the sense of ordinary days of 24 hours, because such days are determined by the rising and setting of the sun and the sun itself, being a part of this universe, came into existence simultaneously with it.
The word ثم (then) shows that after completing the creation of the heavens and the earth in six "days" or six "periods", God settled Himself on the Throne on the seventh day. As the Arabic word سبع (seven) is generally used as a symbol of perfection, the expression would signify that on the seventh day when God became established on the Throne of His Power and Majesty, the universe became in perfect working order.
The "night and day" mentioned in the clause, He makes the night cover the day, have been mentioned here as symbolizing sin and virtue. In fact, the phenomenon of sin in a perfectly ordered universe is explainable only by the phenomenon of night. Just as that part of the earth which is hidden from the sun is covered by darkness; similarly, when a man turns away from God, he becomes involved in the darkness of sin; but when he turns his face towards God, the day dawns for him and he basks in the light of truth and righteousness.
The words, He makes the night cover the day which pursues it swiftly, are explained in 2:165 by the expression "the alternation of night and day." The clause may also imply that it is God’s سنة or practice that after a period of darkness He brings a period of light so that mankind may not suffer.
By using the word مسخرات (all made subservient) with respect to the sun, the moon and the stars, the verse reminds us that it was not in the power of man to make all these planets serve him and that it is God alone Who has placed them at his service. Therefore, if, in spite of these great favours, he would not listen to God’s voice, he would be marked as a transgressor and consequently merit His punishment.
The distinction between خلق (the creation) and امر (the command) is that while the former generally means, the measuring out or evolving of a thing out of pre-existing matter, the latter means, bringing into being without matter by uttering the simple command "Be". The clause, His is the creation and the command, may also mean that God has not only created the universe but also exercises authority and command over it.
For the words, He settled Himself on the Throne, see under 10:4 where the expressions "Divine Throne", and "God’s settling on it" have been fully dealt with.
a
13:4; 36:38.
b
10:4; 11:8; 25:60; 32:5; 41:10-13; 50:39; 57:5.
984
Ayyam is the plural of Yaum which denotes time absolutely (1:4); or it may signify an indefinite period, or a stage in the development of a thing. It is not possible to surmise and define the length of this period. It may be "a thousand years" (22:48), or "fifty thousand years" (70:5). But the word Yaum definitely does not refer here or in any other verse of the Qur’an as the period of time determined by the rotation of the earth on its axis. God has not disclosed to us the extent of all His days. If some of God’s days extend over a thousand years and others over fifty thousand years, there may be still others which extend over millions or billions of years. Science has disclosed the fact that it took the heavens and the earth millions of years to be evolved into their present shape. A vision of the eminent Muslim scholar, Muhyud-Din Ibn-e- ‘Arabi, leads one to a similar conclusion. Thus we cannot definitely determine the length of the "six days" during which the creation of the
985
See {54}.
986
‘Arsh (Throne) represents God’s transcendent attributes (Sifate- Tanzihiyyah), i.e. such attributes as are not found in any other being. The four attributes of God mentioned in Surah Ikhlas are His transcendent attributes. These attributes are eternal and unchangeable and are manifested through God’s attributes of similitude (Sifate-Tashbihiyyah), i.e. such attributes as are found more or less in other beings also. These latter attributes are said to be the bearers of the ‘Arsh. They are Rabbul-‘Alamin, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim and Maliki Yaumid-Din. That ‘Arsh represents the transcendent attributes of God is also clear from 23:117 which shows that the "Unity of God" and His ‘Arsh are intimately connected, for it is the transcendent attributes which constitute the real proof of Divine Unity, other attributes of God being shared by man in different degrees. The words, "Settled Himself on the Throne" signify that aft
987
The distinction between Khalq (creation) and Amr (command) is that while the former word generally means, the measuring out or evolving of a thing out of pre-existing matter, the latter means, bringing into being without matter by uttering the simple command word "be." The clause, His is the creation and the command, may also mean that God has not only created the universe but He also exercises authority and command over it. Amr also means, the making of laws.
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
22:62, 35:14; 57:7.
7:55, 13:3; 35:14; 39:6.
The natural law of the day following the night, and vice versa, operates with equal force in regard to the fate of nations as well as individuals.
22:62; 35:14; 57:7.
7:55; 13:3; 35:14; 39:6.
Commentary:
The verse under comment further develops the theme of its predecessor and says that nations and individuals advance and decay as they observe or ignore the laws that govern their rise and fall. Uniform prosperity or unrelieved misery has never been the lot of a people for all time. The condition of a people or individual changes with a corresponding change in their or his attitude and behaviour. The natural law of the day following the night, and vice versa operates with equal force in regard to the fate of nations as well as individuals.
b
22:62, 35:14; 57:7.
c
7:55, 13:3; 35:14; 39:6.
a
22:62; 35:14; 57:7.
b
7:55; 13:3; 35:14; 39:6.
3053
Commentary:
The verse under comment further develops the theme of its predecessor and says that nations and individuals advance and decay as they observe or ignore the laws that govern their rise and fall. Uniform prosperity or unrelieved misery has never been the lot of a people for all time. The condition of a people or individual changes with a corresponding change in their or his attitude and behaviour. The natural law of the day following the night, and vice versa operates with equal force in regard to the fate of nations as well as individuals.
c
22:62, 35:14; 57:7.
d
7:55, 13:3; 35:14; 39:6.
2316
The natural law of the day following the night, and vice versa, operates with equal force in regard to the fate of nations as well as individuals.
وَءَايَةٌ لَّهُمُ ٱلَّيْلُ نَسْلَخُ مِنْهُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فَإِذَا هُم مُّظْلِمُونَ
17:13; 40:62.
17:13; 40:62.
17:13; 40:62; 41:38.
Commentary:
"Night" in Quranic terminology represents the period during which no fresh revelation descends from heaven, and "day" represents the time when a Divine Reformer is present in the world. The verse points to the law of the alternation of day and night and from it draws the moral that as in the physical world day follows night, similarly in the spiritual realm when darkness enshrouds the world, a Divine Reformer is raised to dispel it, and, then, again, after the lapse of a long time, spiritual light disappears, and there is darkness all round. The phenomenon continues uninterruptedly in both the spiritual and physical worlds.
b
17:13; 40:62.
a
17:13; 40:62; 41:38.
3238
Commentary:
"Night" in Quranic terminology represents the period during which no fresh revelation descends from heaven, and "day" represents the time when a Divine Reformer is present in the world. The verse points to the law of the alternation of day and night and from it draws the moral that as in the physical world day follows night, similarly in the spiritual realm when darkness enshrouds the world, a Divine Reformer is raised to dispel it, and, then, again, after the lapse of a long time, spiritual light disappears, and there is darkness all round. The phenomenon continues uninterruptedly in both the spiritual and physical worlds.
d
17:13; 40:62.
خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ بِٱلْحَقِّ ۖ يُكَوِّرُ ٱلَّيْلَ عَلَى ٱلنَّهَارِ وَيُكَوِّرُ ٱلنَّهَارَ عَلَى ٱلَّيْلِ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ ٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ ۖ كُلٌّ يَجْرِى لِأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ۗ أَلَا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفَّٰرُ
6:74; 14:20; 16:4; 29:45.
7:55; 13:3; 29:62; 31:30; 35:14.
6:74; 14:20; 16:4; 29:45.
7:55; 13:3; 29:62; 31:30; 35:14.
Commentary:
This verse adduces as a further argument the creation of heavens and earth and the existence of perfect design and order in the universe in support of the belief that there is One Intelligent Designing Mind behind all existence. See also 36:41.
a
6:74; 14:20; 16:4; 29:45.
b
7:55; 13:3; 29:62; 31:30; 35:14.
b
6:74; 14:20; 16:4; 29:45.
c
7:55; 13:3; 29:62; 31:30; 35:14.
3441
Commentary:
This verse adduces as a further argument the creation of heavens and earth and the existence of perfect design and order in the universe in support of the belief that there is One Intelligent Designing Mind behind all existence. See also 36:41.
a
6:74; 14:20; 16:4; 29:45.
b
7:55; 13:3; 29:62; 31:30; 35:14.