وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا تَجَلَّىٰ 2
Translations
And [by] the day when it appears
Transliteration
Wa-al-nahāri idhā tajallā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the daytime when it becomes clear and manifest, following the oath by the night in the previous verse. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah swearing by the alternation of night and day as signs of His power and wisdom. The ayah emphasizes how the daylight reveals and illuminates creation, contrasting with the darkness of night, both serving as cosmic signs pointing to divine order.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Layl is a Meccan surah revealed to address fundamental beliefs about Allah's oneness and the reality of the afterlife. This opening pair of verses (night and day) establishes the structure of the surah through divine oaths, setting the tone for the ethical dichotomy between good and evil that follows. The night-day contrast serves as a metaphor for the different spiritual paths of humanity.
Related Hadiths
The theme of night and day as signs is referenced in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the signs in creation. Additionally, in Sunan An-Nasa'i, there are hadiths about the Prophet's night prayers and the blessings of different times, reinforcing the spiritual significance of day and night cycles.
Themes
Key Lesson
The alternation of night and day reminds believers of Allah's perfect order in creation and His constant provision for humanity. This should inspire gratitude for the clarity and sustenance each day brings, and recognition that just as day follows night, clarity and guidance follow periods of difficulty and darkness.