وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ مَنَامُكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱبْتِغَآؤُكُم مِّن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ 23
Translations
And of His signs is your sleep by night and day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen.
Transliteration
Wa min ayatihi manamukum bil-layli wan-nahari wabtighaokum min fadlihi. Inna fi dhalika la-ayatin liqawmin yasmaoon.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents sleep during the night and wakefulness during the day, along with human striving to earn from Allah's provision, as signs of Allah's majesty and wisdom. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that the alternation of sleep and wakefulness demonstrates divine design—sleep provides rest and restoration for the body, while the day allows for work and sustenance-seeking. The verse concludes by addressing those who listen and reflect, highlighting that these signs are only appreciated by those with attentive hearts and minds.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rum is a Meccan surah that comprehensively presents signs of Allah's existence and power throughout creation. This particular ayah fits within the broader context (verses 20-25) where Allah enumerates His signs in creation, from the heavens and earth to human existence and natural phenomena, aimed at calling the Meccans to monotheism and reflection.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi) - thematically related to the provision and care mentioned. Also relevant: 'Sleep is the brother of death' (Tirmidhi), highlighting the significance of sleep as mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to recognize the divine blessings embedded in our daily rhythms—rest and activity are not mundane occurrences but signs of Allah's care for humanity. Modern readers should cultivate gratitude for sleep as restoration and recognize that legitimate earning through effort is part of Allah's design, encouraging us to balance rest with productive work while remaining conscious of divine providence.