وَٱلْأَرْضِ ذَاتِ ٱلصَّدْعِ 12
Translations
And [by] the earth which splits,
Transliteration
Wal-ardi dhati as-sada'
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the earth with its cracks and fissures, highlighting Allah's creative power in forming the earth with its distinctive features. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as evidence of Allah's majesty and wisdom in creating the earth with the capacity to split and produce vegetation, demonstrating His control over creation. The 'cracks' (sada') represent the earth's natural ability to receive water and seeds, allowing life to flourish—a sign of divine design and sustenance.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tariq is a Meccan surah focusing on the inevitability of the Day of Judgment and Allah's absolute power over creation. This ayah appears in the context of oaths by which Allah swears (verses 1-3), emphasizing His dominion over celestial and terrestrial realms as proof of His ability to resurrect the dead and bring about the Final Day.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is water' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), relating to how the earth's fissures allow water to penetrate and sustain life. Additionally, the Quran states in Surah 80:31: 'And We have caused gardens and grapevines to grow therein, and caused springs to gush forth,' connecting earth's cracks to provision.
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflect upon the intricate design of natural phenomena around us as unmistakable signs of Allah's wisdom and power—even something as simple as the earth's capacity to split and nurture life testifies to our Creator's absolute authority and should strengthen our faith in His promise of resurrection.