وَحِفْظًا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَـٰنٍ مَّارِدٍ 7
Translations
And as protection against every rebellious devil
Transliteration
Wa-hifẓan min kulli shayṭānin mārid
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the stars in the lowest heaven being placed as a guard and protection against every rebellious devil (shayṭān mārid). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the stars serve multiple purposes: they are signs for navigation and timekeeping, but also function as missiles to repel the devils from eavesdropping on the conversations of the angels and accessing knowledge of the Unseen. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this reflects Allah's perfect system of creation, where even celestial bodies serve protective functions against evil influences.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah As-Saffat (37:1-10), which opens with an oath regarding the angels arranged in ranks. The surah was revealed in Mecca and addresses fundamental Islamic beliefs about the divine order of creation, the existence of angels, and the reality of shayṭān. The context establishes the cosmic hierarchy and Allah's complete control over all realms of existence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The stars are guards for the heavens. When Allah wishes to destroy a people, He removes the stars, and then destruction comes to them.' (Jami' At-Tirmidhi 2331). Additionally, in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet mentions that when a star falls, it is a sign from Allah to His creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Allah has established comprehensive systems of protection and order throughout creation, demonstrating His wisdom and care. It encourages believers to recognize Allah's signs in the heavens and to trust in His protection against evil influences in both the spiritual and material realms.