364 Page Notes

25 Surah Al-Furqan (continued)

Page 364 - Related Hadith/Sunnah

Translation of the meaning by Sahih International.

Page 364 - Related Hadiths and Sunnah

Surah Al-Furqan, verses 44 through 55, shifts from the critique of the disbelievers' arrogance to a profound reflection on the natural signs of Allah’s creation (ayat) and the nature of human responsibility.

Overview of Verses 44–55

• Verse 44: Allah compares those who refuse to use their intellect to understand the truth to cattle—or even worse—because they have abandoned their God-given potential for guidance.

• Verses 45–46: Allah points to the phenomenon of the shadow (zill), explaining that its extension and withdrawal are governed by the sun, showcasing His power and precise design.

• Verses 47–49: These verses highlight the alternating cycle of night and day, the restorative function of sleep, and the sending of rain to bring dead land to life—all signs of Allah’s mercy and sustaining power.

• Verses 50–52: Allah explains that He distributes the message (the Quran) to serve as a reminder, though most people remain ungrateful. He notes that if He had willed, He could have sent a warner to every city, but the singular mission of the Prophet serves as a "Criterion" for all.

• Verses 53–55: The passage mentions the barrier between two seas (fresh and salt water), the creation of man from liquid (water/fluid), and the absurdity of worshipping idols that can neither harm nor benefit.

Scholarly Commentary

Classical scholars, particularly Ibn Kathir, highlight the following points:

• "Worse than Cattle" (Verse 44): Scholars note that this comparison is not meant to demean the animals, which fulfill their natural purpose. Instead, it serves as a stern critique of humans who possess the capacity for reason (aql) and revelation but consciously ignore them. The "worse" status arises because humans have the potential to reach the highest states of spirituality, and their failure to do so is a self-imposed degradation.

• The Shadow as a Sign (Verse 45): Commentators like Ibn Kathir explain that the shadow is a unique creation that manifests only through the contrast provided by the sun. The "gradual withdrawal" (qabdan yasiran) of the shadow as the sun reaches its zenith is cited as evidence of Allah’s deliberate, precise control over the physical universe.

• Signs of Mercy (Verses 47–48): Scholars emphasize that the sequence of night for rest and day for activity, followed by the revitalizing rain, is a "macro-evidence" (dalil afaqi) for the Creator. These natural cycles are presented to encourage human gratitude.

• The Barrier Between Seas (Verse 53): Many commentators view this as a scientific sign of Allah’s power—the existence of a barzakh (barrier) that prevents one body of water from overwhelming the other, even though they meet. It is interpreted as a reminder of the order and balance maintained by the Creator in the natural world.

Themes in Sunnah

• Contemplating Creation: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently urged his followers to observe the creation around them to strengthen their Iman (faith). The Sunnah emphasizes that the natural world is a "book" of signs. The Prophet’s practice of waking up at night and reciting the closing verses of Surah Al-Imran (which also reflect on the alternation of night and day) aligns with the spirit of reflection commanded in Surah Al-Furqan.

• Gratitude for Daily Blessings: The Prophet ﷺ taught specific supplications for waking up, which acknowledge the transition from the "death-like" state of sleep to the "resurrection" of the new day—directly reflecting the themes in verse 47. For example, he would say: "Praise be to Allah, who gave us life after He caused us to die, and to Him is the resurrection" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6312).