إِنَّ فِى ٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَمَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَّقُونَ 6
Translations
Indeed, in the alternation of the night and the day and [in] what Allāh has created in the heavens and the earth are signs for a people who fear Allāh.
Transliteration
Inna fi ikhtilafi al-layli wa-al-nahari wa-ma khalaqa Allahu fi al-samawati wa-al-ardi la-ayatin li-qawmin yattaqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents the alternation of night and day, along with all that Allah has created in the heavens and earth, as clear signs (ayat) for those who possess taqwa (God-consciousness and piety). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that these cosmic phenomena serve as evidence of Allah's power, wisdom, and oneness, yet their recognition as signs depends on the observer's spiritual state—those who fear Allah and seek truth will perceive and benefit from these signs, while others may witness them without comprehension.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan period of Surah Yunus, which emphasizes tawhid (monotheism) and Allah's signs throughout creation. It responds to the polytheists' rejection of the message by redirecting their attention to the observable natural world as undeniable proof of Allah's existence and uniqueness. The thematic context surrounds refutations of shirk (polytheism) and calls to reflect upon creation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The night and day do not wear out, but whoever wears out is the one who becomes heedless of Allah's remembrance' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever reflects upon the creation of Allah for an hour, it will be better for him than worshipping for seventy years' (Ibn Asakir), emphasizing contemplation of creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
The signs of Allah are constantly present in the rhythms of nature and the vastness of creation, yet their recognition requires spiritual awareness and genuine piety. Modern readers should cultivate taqwa by mindfully observing the world around them—the cycles of night and day, celestial bodies, and terrestrial wonders—as reminders of divine wisdom and their accountability to their Creator.