Surah Sad 38:42
سُورَةُ صٓ · Meccan · Verse 42 of 88
ٱرْكُضْ بِرِجْلِكَ ۖ هَٰذَا مُغْتَسَلٌۢ بَارِدٌۭ وَشَرَابٌۭ
Translation
‘Stamp your foot! Here is cool water for you to wash in and drink,’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse, a direct address from Allah to Prophet Ayub (Job) in response to his profound prayer, showcases Divine compassion and immediate relief through its precise and powerful words. After Ayub poured out his heart, lamenting that Satan had afflicted him with hardship and torment, Allah swiftly provides a miraculous solution.
The Clear Command
Allah commands, "ٱرْكُضْ بِرِجْلِكَ" (Arkuḍ bi-rijlika), which translates to "Strike with your foot." The word "Arkuḍ" itself implies a strong, forceful thrust or impact with the foot, as scholars like al-Razi and al-Jadwal explain. The addition of "بِرِجْلِكَ" (bi-rijlika, with your foot) further clarifies and emphasizes the specific instrument. Ibn Ashur observes that this is akin to saying "a bird that flies with its wings", while the action of "Arkuḍ" inherently involves the foot, its explicit mention underscores the deliberate and necessary physical act Ayub must undertake. This detail reminds us that even when Allah's help is a miracle, He sometimes calls upon us for a simple, obedient action.
The Immediate Gift
Immediately following the command, the miraculous gift is described: "هَٰذَا مُغْتَسَلٌۢ بَارِدٌۭ وَشَرَابٌۭ" (Hādhā mughatasalun bāridun wa sharāb), meaning "This is a cool washing-place and a drink." The demonstrative pronoun "هَٰذَا" (Hādhā - This) points directly to the tangible reality that gushes forth, a sign of the instantaneous response to Ayub's plea.
The term "مُغْتَسَلٌۢ" (mughatasalun), as clarified by al-Jalalayn, refers to water specifically for washing. It is not just any water, but water designated for purification and physical relief. The description "بَارِدٌۭ" (bāridun - cool or cold) is highly significant. Ibn Ashur points out that this coolness would have been a direct remedy for Ayub's fevers and the heat associated with his painful sores, aligning with the Prophet Muhammad's teachings about using water to cool fevers. This water isn't merely refreshing; it is therapeutically effective. Lastly, "وَشَرَابٌۭ" (wa sharāb - and a drink) is explicitly mentioned. Ibn Ashur notes that although water is naturally for drinking, its explicit inclusion, particularly with *tanwin* (the indefinite 'un' sound), highlights its immense benefit and greatness for Ayub, serving as both an external wash and an internal cure. This duality reflects Allah's comprehensive mercy, addressing every aspect of Ayub's suffering.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Sad 38:42 is discussed in 5 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Sad 38:42 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.