إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ 190
Translations
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding -
Transliteration
Inna fee khalqi as-samawati wa-al-ardi wa-ikhtilafi al-layli wa-an-nahari la-ayatun li-ulil-albab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah asserts that the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of night and day, are clear signs (ayat) of Allah's power and wisdom for those possessed of sound intellect (ulul-albab). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that these observable phenomena in creation serve as undeniable proofs of the Creator's existence and majesty, accessible to those who reflect deeply rather than merely observe superficially. The ayah specifically addresses people of understanding, suggesting that proper comprehension of these signs requires active intellectual engagement and contemplation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ali 'Imran (a Medinan surah), where it marks the beginning of a section encouraging believers to reflect upon the cosmos. It comes after verses addressing the People of the Book and follows discussions of faith and divine revelation, reinforcing that evidence for Allah's oneness extends beyond scripture to the natural world itself.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Reflect upon the creation of Allah, but do not reflect upon Allah himself, for you will not be able to estimate His true magnitude' (Reported in Sunan Ibn Majah and Ad-Darimi). Additionally, 'The best prayer is the night prayer' (Sahih Muslim) relates to the significance of night and day mentioned in the ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to move beyond passive observation of the natural world to active, purposeful contemplation as a spiritual practice that strengthens faith. For modern readers, it emphasizes that science and observation of creation are not opposed to faith, but rather provide opportunities for deeper understanding of the Creator's wisdom and magnificence.