وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا وَٱلنَّوْمَ سُبَاتًا وَجَعَلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ نُشُورًا 47
Translations
And it is He who has made the night for you as clothing and sleep [a means for] rest and has made the day a resurrection.
Transliteration
Wa huwa alladhee ja'ala lakum allayla libasan wa alnnawma subatan wa ja'ala alnnahara nushura
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes Allah's merciful provision of night as a garment (covering) for rest and sleep as a means of repose for the body and soul, while the day is made for activity and movement. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret 'libasan' (garment) metaphorically as night providing comfort, concealment, and tranquility similar to clothing, while 'subatan' (cessation/rest) refers to sleep's restorative function. The contrast between night's quietude and day's bustling activity demonstrates Allah's perfect design for human well-being and the natural rhythm He has established for creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion), a Meccan surah that focuses on refuting polytheism and emphasizing Allah's oneness through signs in creation. The surah systematically presents evidence of Allah's divine attributes and merciful provision. This particular verse is part of a broader discussion of Allah's blessings and signs (ayat) evident in the natural world that should lead believers to gratitude and recognition of the Creator.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in a hadith in Sunan Ibn Majah and Jami' at-Tirmidhi: 'Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi before sleeping, Allah will protect him and his household until morning.' While not directly about this ayah, it emphasizes the spiritual significance of nighttime protection. Additionally, the Sunnah emphasizes the importance of rest and sleep as a blessing, with the Prophet (ﷺ) teaching specific du'as before sleep.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to recognize and appreciate Allah's thoughtful design in providing natural rest through night and sleep, encouraging modern readers to respect their body's need for adequate sleep as a divinely ordained blessing rather than viewing rest as a hindrance to productivity. It also reminds us that spiritual and physical well-being are interconnected gifts from Allah that deserve gratitude and proper stewardship.