فَإِذَا ٱنشَقَّتِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ فَكَانَتْ وَرْدَةً كَٱلدِّهَانِ 37
Translations
And when the heaven is split open and becomes rose-colored like oil -
Transliteration
Fa-idha inshaqqati as-sama'u fakaanat wardatan ka-ad-dihaan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a scene from the Day of Judgment when the sky will split asunder and become like molten oil or rose-colored liquid. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a vivid depiction of the cosmic transformation on the Day of Resurrection, emphasizing the complete upheaval of the natural order. The imagery conveys both the awesome majesty of Allah's power and the certainty of the Final Hour, serving as a powerful reminder of divine justice and accountability.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rahman, revealed in Madinah, is devoted to enumerating Allah's blessings and warnings about the Day of Judgment. This ayah appears within a section (verses 33-45) that graphically describes the signs of the Hour and the collapse of the heavens, reinforcing the surah's central theme of Allah's dominion and the reality of the Afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in various narrations about the Day of Judgment: 'The heavens will be rolled up on that Day as a scroll is rolled up for books' (Sahih Muslim 2788). Additionally, Surah Al-Anbiya 21:104 contains similar eschatological imagery supported by hadiths in Sahih Bukhari regarding cosmic upheaval.
Themes
Key Lesson
This verse should inspire deep reflection on the impermanence of the material world and motivate righteous action in preparation for the Afterlife. Meditating on such vivid descriptions of the Day of Judgment helps purify the heart from worldly attachment and strengthens faith in Allah's ultimate justice and sovereignty.