مَرَجَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ 19
Translations
He released the two seas, meeting [one another];
Transliteration
Maraja al-bahrayni yaltaqiyani
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the meeting of two seas (fresh and salt water) while maintaining their distinct properties and not mixing. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir explain this as a reference to the natural phenomenon where rivers meet oceans, or where different bodies of water come together, yet a barrier (barzakh) prevents their immediate mixing. This demonstrates Allah's precision in creation and the intricate balance He maintains in nature, serving as a sign (ayah) of His divine wisdom and power.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rahman, a Medinan surah that emphasizes the signs (ayat) of Allah's creation and His blessings upon humanity. The surah systematically presents examples from the natural world to evoke contemplation and gratitude toward the Creator. This particular ayah fits within a broader section describing the marvels of the oceanic world.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly comments on this ayah, Hadith Qudsi emphasizes Allah's creation: 'Everything is easy for Allah' (Sahih Muslim). Additionally, hadiths encourage reflection on creation as a means to strengthen faith, consistent with the surah's purpose of spiritual enrichment through natural observations.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to observe the natural world with reverence and scientific curiosity, recognizing that the intricate balance in creation—such as the separation of waters—reflects Allah's perfect design and wisdom. It encourages us to move beyond mere existence and contemplate how every detail of creation demonstrates purposeful divine engineering.
Related Ayahs
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا خَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّمَّا عَمِلَتْ أَيْدِينَآ أَنْعَـٰمًا فَهُمْ لَهَا مَـٰلِكُونَ
Do they not see that We have created for them from what Our hands have made, grazing livestock, and [then] they are their owners?
فَأَنشَأْنَا لَكُم بِهِۦ جَنَّـٰتٍ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَـٰبٍ لَّكُمْ فِيهَا فَوَٰكِهُ كَثِيرَةٌ وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ
And We brought forth for you thereby gardens of palm trees and grapevines in which for you are abundant fruits and from which you eat.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُرِيكُمْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَيُنَزِّلُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ رِزْقًا ۚ وَمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ إِلَّا مَن يُنِيبُ
It is He who shows you His signs and sends down to you from the sky, provision. But none will remember except he who turns back [in repentance].
وَفِى خَلْقِكُمْ وَمَا يَبُثُّ مِن دَآبَّةٍ ءَايَـٰتٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُوقِنُونَ
And in the creation of yourselves and what He disperses of moving creatures are signs for people who are certain [in faith].