وَلِسَانًا وَشَفَتَيْنِ 9
Translations
And a tongue and two lips?
Transliteration
wa lisanan wa shafatain
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's blessing upon humanity of a tongue and two lips, which are among the greatest divine favors enabling speech, communication, and expression. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that these faculties are essential instruments for conveying knowledge, making supplications, and fulfilling human social responsibilities. The mention of these specific organs highlights Allah's meticulous creation and the accountability humans bear for how they use these gifts, particularly in speaking truth or falsehood.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Balad (Chapter 90), a Meccan surah that emphasizes Allah's blessings upon humanity and the obligations that accompany them. The broader context (90:8-10) lists the favors Allah bestowed: eyes to see, ears to hear, and tongue with lips to speak—establishing the foundation for human moral responsibility and gratitude.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith directly relates to the accountability for using the tongue and lips mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
The blessing of speech through tongue and lips is a profound divine trust that demands accountability—we must use these faculties responsibly to spread truth, kindness, and knowledge rather than harm. Gratitude for these gifts is expressed through guarding our speech and using it to draw closer to Allah and benefit humanity.