Surah Yunus 10:5
سُورَةُ يُونُسَ · Meccan · Verse 5 of 109
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ ٱلشَّمْسَ ضِيَآءًۭ وَٱلْقَمَرَ نُورًۭا وَقَدَّرَهُۥ مَنَازِلَ لِتَعْلَمُوا۟ عَدَدَ ٱلسِّنِينَ وَٱلْحِسَابَ ۚ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٰلِكَ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ يُفَصِّلُ ٱلْءَايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍۢ يَعْلَمُونَ
Translation
It is He who made the sun a shining radiance and the moon a light, determining phases for it so that you might know the number of years and how to calculate time. God did not create all these without a true purpose; He explains His signs to those who understand.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Allah, the Most High, introduces this verse by declaring that He is the One who fashioned the sun to be a ضِيَاءً (diya', radiant light) and the moon to be a نُورًا (nur, light). The choice of these two distinct words is a beautiful example of the Quran's precise wording. Scholars like Ibn Ashur, al-Zamakhshari, and al-Razi explain that ضِيَاءً refers to a strong, powerful, and illuminating light, specifically one that originates from its source, like the sun. In contrast, نُورًا is a more general term for light, but when used in direct opposition to *diya'*, as it is here, it implies a weaker or reflected light, as is the case with the moon. This subtle distinction, woven into the very words, highlights Allah's perfect creation, where each celestial body serves a unique and designated purpose with its specific kind of illumination. The sun's intense *diya'* allows for daytime activity, while the moon's gentler *nur* offers soft visibility during the night without disturbing the tranquility intended for rest.
Phases for Timekeeping
Allah further states, "وَقَدَّرَهُ مَنَازِلَ" (and He ordained for it phases). The pronoun "it" (هُ) here primarily refers to the moon. Scholars like Ibn Ashur and al-Jalalayn clarify that Allah precisely measured and set the moon's path through 28 celestial stations or phases throughout each lunar month. This meticulous ordering has a profound purpose: "لِتَعْلَمُوا عَدَدَ السِّنِينَ وَالْحِسَابَ" (so that you may know the number of years and calculation). Ibn Ashur emphasizes how this divine design allows humanity to keep track of days, months, and years. This system, particularly the lunar calendar, is fundamental to many aspects of human life, from religious observances to planning agriculture, travel, and commerce, forming, as al-Razi points out, the very basis of civilization.
Creation with Purpose
The verse then concludes with a powerful statement: "مَا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ ذَلِكَ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ" (Allah did not create that except with truth/purpose). This emphasizes that none of creation is haphazard or in vain. As Ibn Ashur explains, "بالحق" here means with profound wisdom and immense benefit, countering any notion of meaninglessness or absurdity. It's a reminder that every detail in the universe is a sign, meticulously crafted by an All-Wise Creator.
Signs for the Reflective
Finally, Allah says, "يُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ" (He explains the signs for a people who know). The Arabic word يُفَصِّلُ (yufassilu) means to detail or clarify. The use of the present tense implies that Allah continuously and repeatedly clarifies these signs. These detailed explanations are not for everyone, but specifically "لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ", for a people who possess knowledge, who are inclined to reflect, and who actively seek to understand the wisdom embedded in creation. It's an invitation to ponder, to see beyond the surface, and to recognize the Divine hand in all things.
Source: Ibn Ashur, al-Zamakhshari, al-Jalalayn, al-Razi, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Yunus 10:5 is discussed in 10 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Yunus 10:5 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.