۞ هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَجَعَلَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا لِيَسْكُنَ إِلَيْهَا ۖ فَلَمَّا تَغَشَّىٰهَا حَمَلَتْ حَمْلًا خَفِيفًا فَمَرَّتْ بِهِۦ ۖ فَلَمَّآ أَثْقَلَت دَّعَوَا ٱللَّهَ رَبَّهُمَا لَئِنْ ءَاتَيْتَنَا صَـٰلِحًا لَّنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ 189
Translations
It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in security with her. And when he [i.e., man] covers her, she carries a light burden [i.e., a pregnancy] and continues therein. And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allāh, their Lord, "If You should give us a good [child], we will surely be among the grateful."
Transliteration
Huwa alladhi khalaqakum min nafsin wahidatin wa ja'ala minha zawjaha liyaskuna ilayha, fa-lamma taghashshaha hamalatat hamlan khafifan famarrat bihi, fa-lamma athqalat da'aw Allaha rabbahuma la-in ataytana salihan lanakunnanna mina al-shaki-reen.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the creation of humanity from a single soul (Adam) from which Allah created his spouse (Eve) so that he might find tranquility and companionship with her. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that when she became pregnant, she initially carried it lightly and went about easily, but as the pregnancy became burdensome, both parents invoked Allah, promising gratitude if He granted them a righteous child. This demonstrates the natural human tendency to seek divine mercy in times of difficulty and the importance of gratitude.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-A'raf, a Meccan chapter that discusses creation, divine signs, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. The passage contextualizes human creation and the institution of marriage as a means of finding peace and stability, while illustrating how trials bring people closer to their Lord in supplication and dependence upon Him.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their wives' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet said: 'The most perfect in faith are those best in character, and the best of you are those who are kindest to their wives' (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that marriage is divinely ordained for mutual tranquility and support, and that acknowledging our dependence on Allah during life's challenges strengthens our faith and gratitude. It reminds us to invoke Allah with sincerity during difficulties and to honor the sacred bond of marriage as a source of spiritual and emotional peace.
Related Ayahs
مَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِى ۖ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَـٰسِرُونَ
Whoever Allāh guides - he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray - it is those who are the losers.
قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّى بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَٱدْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ
Say, [O Muḥammad], "My Lord has ordered justice and that you direct yourselves [to the Qiblah] at every place [or time] of prostration, and invoke Him, sincere to Him in religion." Just as He originated you, you will return [to life] -
لَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَـٰفٍ ثُمَّ لَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides; then I will surely crucify you all."
مَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا هَادِىَ لَهُۥ ۚ وَيَذَرُهُمْ فِى طُغْيَـٰنِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ
Whoever Allāh sends astray - there is no guide for him. And He leaves them in their transgression, wandering blindly.