Sleep: A Gift of Rest and Renewal
وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا
“And We made your sleep a source of rest.” (78:9)
Allah (ʿazza wa jall) made sleep a form of comfort for our bodies, and a break through which we are relieved from the fatigue of daytime work.
Reflect: How often do we stop to think that something we do every night is actually a great blessing from Allah?
Act: Speak to someone who struggles with sleeping to help you appreciate this huge blessing, and thank Allah for this great blessing.
The Sky Above
وَبَنَيْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعًا شِدَادًا
“And We built above you seven mighty (heavens).” (78:12)
Allah (ʿazza wa jall) has created the seven heavens in perfect form, with an amazing design and firm, precise structure. They do not weaken or decay with time or the passing of ages. By His power, Allah (ʿazza wa jall) made them like a vast canopy stretching over the earth.
Act: Take time out to go outside today and reflect on the sky for 5 minutes.
The Radiant Lamp
وَجَعَلْنَا سِرَاجًا وَّهَّاجًا
“And We created a luminous lamp (the sun).” (78:13)
The continued existence of the sun for millions of years without weakening or extinguishing is only by the power of Allah. Through it, life is sustained: human beings, animals, plants, and crops all depend upon it. Without it, the earth would be frozen and dark.
Reflect: If we are grateful to someone who maintains a simple lamp in our homes, then how much more should our gratitude be to the One who has placed this vast, life-giving lamp in the sky for all creation?
The Ultimate Judgement
إِنَّ يَوْمَ الْفَصْلِ كَانَ مِيْقَاتًا
“Surely the Day of Decision is an appointed time.” (78:17)
The Day of Judgement, about which they dispute, will most certainly come to pass. It is the Day of Separation, when truth will be distinguished from falsehood, and the people of truth will be separated from the people of falsehood.
At the beginning of the sūrah, Allah (ʿazza wa jall) explains how the mushrikīn rejected the Resurrection. He then mentions nine of His signs that demonstrate His absolute power. If He is capable of all this — and we witness these signs every day with our own eyes — then surely He can bring back to life the very creatures He created in the first place.
No Pause, No Relief
لَّابِثِيْنَ فِيْهَآ أَحْقَابًا لَّا يَذُوْقُوْنَ فِيْهَا بَرْدًا وَّلَا شَرَابًا
“Where they will remain for a long, long time. They will taste nothing cool in it, nor a drink.” (78:24)
One of the most difficult forms of suffering is that which never ends. There will be no relief from the torment of Hell, not even for a moment. No coolness will ease its intense heat, and no drink will quench their thirst.
Reflect: In life, we sometimes experience difficulties, but the night brings temporary relief as we sleep. At other times, our struggles are broken up by moments of ease and happiness, even if hardship returns later. In Jahannam, however, there will be no respite at all: no break, no relief, not even for a moment.
Gardens and Grapevines
إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِيْنَ مَفَازًا حَدَآئِقَ وَأَعْنَابًا
“Indeed, for the God-fearing there is triumph, gardens and grapes.” (78:31)
The ‘triumph’ includes lush orchards and gardens filled with fruit-bearing trees and fragrant plants, combining every form of delight: the pleasure of taste, the beauty of sight, and the fragrance of scent.
Grapes are mentioned in particular because of their pleasant taste, beauty, and for the delight they give when eaten. The trees and vines are described through their fruit (“grapes”) to indicate that they will always be heavily laden with produce.
Are You Ready to Stand Before Your Creator?
رَّبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الرَّحْمَٰنِ ۖ لَا يَمْلِكُوْنَ مِنْهُ خِطَابًا . يَوْمَ يَقُوْمُ الرُّوْحُ وَالْمَلَآئِكَةُ صَفًّا ۖ لَّا يَتَكَلَّمُوْنَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًا
“The Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything in between, the Most Compassionate. No one will dare speak to Him on the Day the (holy) spirit and the angels will stand in ranks. None will talk, except those granted permission by the Most Compassionate and whose words are true.” (78:37-8)
- On that tremendous Day, all voices will fall silent, and all authority will belong to Allah alone. Even the angels will stand in disciplined rows, waiting for His permission to speak.
- ‘The Most Compassionate’: Hearts will long for Allah’s mercy, for His mercy encompasses all things.
- If gatherings of kings and leaders in this world inspire awe and silence, then what of standing before the King of kings and Lord of all the worlds?
Reflect: Whoever does not show reverence for Allah in this life will not find safety in that standing.
13. Uhud
