وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلنَّهَارَ مَعَاشًا 11
Translations
And made the day for livelihood.
Transliteration
Wa ja'alna an-nahara ma'ashan
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah has made the day a time for livelihood and sustenance, during which people engage in work and the pursuit of their means. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as Allah's wisdom in creating the day with light for human activity and commerce, contrasting it with the night created for rest. This ayah reflects divine providence in ordering creation to facilitate human survival and economic activity.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Naba, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes the signs of Allah's creation and power. The surah systematically describes Allah's blessings and the natural order He has established, with this verse specifically highlighting how the alternation of day and night serves human needs—day for work and sustenance, night for rest and sleep (78:10).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best character,' and encouraged seeking lawful provision. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet encouraged work and self-sufficiency, stating that earning one's livelihood through honest labor is among the best actions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that work and the pursuit of lawful sustenance during the day is not merely a mundane necessity but a divinely ordained opportunity and blessing. It encourages Muslims to balance spiritual devotion with responsible engagement in earning their livelihood, recognizing both as part of Allah's divine wisdom for human welfare.