وَفَجَّرْنَا ٱلْأَرْضَ عُيُونًا فَٱلْتَقَى ٱلْمَآءُ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْرٍ قَدْ قُدِرَ 12
Translations
And caused the earth to burst with springs, and the waters met for a matter already predestined.
Transliteration
Wa-fajjarna al-arda 'uyunan fa-altaqa al-mahu ala amrin qad qudira
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah caused water to gush forth from the earth in springs during the flood of Nuh (Noah), when the gates of heaven opened and the earth's sources burst open. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the waters met and rose according to a predetermined measure decreed by Allah, emphasizing both the miraculous nature of the event and Allah's absolute control over creation. The phrase 'ala amrin qad qudira (according to a matter already determined) underscores that this catastrophic flood was not chaotic but executed with divine precision and wisdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qamar, which recounts the story of Prophet Nuh and the Great Flood as a sign of Allah's power and a warning to those who reject His messengers. The surah emphasizes how the people of Nuh rejected his 950-year mission, leading to their destruction. This verse specifically depicts the moment when the divine punishment was unleashed, illustrating the consequences of disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3156) mentions that the Prophet (peace be upon him) described the flood waters and their overwhelming force. Additionally, the general principle found in multiple hadiths about Allah's predetermined decree (qadr) relates to the phrase 'ala amrin qad qudira, reinforcing that all events occur according to Allah's will.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that rejecting Allah's messengers leads to severe consequences, and that seemingly overwhelming natural disasters are part of Allah's perfect plan and justice. It encourages reflection on how we respond to divine guidance and the signs of Allah, lest we face similar destruction.