Tafsir & Commentary
The Prophets (الأنبياء) · Meccan
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ ۖ كُلٌّ فِى فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ33
21:33
Translation — Sahih International
And it is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon; all [heavenly bodies] in an orbit are swimming.
Transliteration
Wa huwa alladhi khalaqa al-layla wa al-nahara wa al-shamsa wa al-qamara; kullun fi falakun yasbahun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's creative power over the celestial bodies and the cycle of day and night, establishing His complete dominion over the cosmos. The phrase 'kullun fi falakun yasbahun' (each swimming in an orbit) describes the orbits of the sun and moon in their prescribed paths, which classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpreted as evidence of Allah's perfect design and order. This ayah presents scientific accuracy consistent with astronomical knowledge, demonstrating that the Quran directs attention to observable natural phenomena as signs of divine wisdom.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Anbiya, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes tawhid (monotheism) and Allah's unique attributes. The surah's broader context focuses on refuting polytheism and presenting proofs of Allah's oneness through creation. The ayah comes within a series of verses establishing Allah as the sole Creator of all celestial and terrestrial phenomena.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. They are among the signs of Allah. When you see them, stand up and pray.' (Sahih Bukhari 1043). Additionally, Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet explained the movement of celestial bodies as evidence of Allah's power (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
Themes
Key Lessons
This ayah invites believers to observe the regular, precise movements of celestial bodies as profound signs of Allah's existence and wisdom, encouraging reflection on creation as a pathway to strengthening faith. For modern readers, it emphasizes that scientific understanding of the cosmos should deepen our appreciation of the Creator rather than diminish it.