هَلْ فِى ذَٰلِكَ قَسَمٌ لِّذِى حِجْرٍ 5
Translations
Is there [not] in [all] that an oath [sufficient] for one of perception?
Transliteration
Hal fee dhaalika qasamun li-dhee hijr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question asking whether there is not in the previously mentioned signs (the horse, the dawn, the night) a sufficient oath for one who possesses intellect and understanding. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that "dhee hijr" (one who possesses hijr - intellect, reason, or sound judgment) refers to one capable of reflection and contemplation. The ayah emphasizes that for a person of sound mind, these natural phenomena serve as clear evidence of Allah's power and wisdom, making them adequate grounds for conviction without requiring additional proofs.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Fajr is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam in Mecca. This ayah appears in the context of powerful oaths sworn by Allah regarding the dawn, the night, and other celestial phenomena. The surah's purpose is to awaken the consciousness of the Meccan polytheists and call them to reflection on the signs of Allah's creation, encouraging them to use their rational faculties to recognize divine truth.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly comments on this specific ayah, the concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever reflects upon the creation of the heavens and earth will find signs of Allah's greatness.' The theme of using intellect to recognize divine signs is reinforced throughout Islamic teachings.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Allah has provided clear signs in creation accessible to human reason, and that genuine faith is strengthened through intellectual contemplation rather than blind following. For modern readers, it emphasizes that Islam invites rational thought and encourages believers to use their God-given intellect to recognize divine truth in the natural world around them.
Related Ayahs
أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِيَسْكُنُوا۟ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبْصِرًا ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Do they not see that We made the night that they may rest therein and the day giving sight? Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.
سَنُرِيهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فِى ٱلْـَٔافَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?
فَقَالَ لَهُمْ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ نَاقَةَ ٱللَّهِ وَسُقْيَـٰهَا
And the messenger of Allāh [i.e., Ṣāliḥ] said to them, "[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allāh or [prevent her from] her drink."
أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱلْفُلْكَ تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِنِعْمَتِ ٱللَّهِ لِيُرِيَكُم مِّنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ
Do you not see that ships sail through the sea by the favor of Allāh that He may show you of His signs? Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.