Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:47
سُورَةُ الذَّارِيَاتِ · Meccan · Verse 47 of 60
وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بَنَيْنَٰهَا بِأَيْي۟دٍۢ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ
Translation
We built the heavens with Our power and made them vast,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
In Surah 51, Allah reminds us of His awe-inspiring power through the grand signs of creation, particularly in verse 47: `وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بَنَيْنَٰهَا بِأَيْي۟دٍۢ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ` (And the heaven We built with power. And indeed, We are its expanders.) This verse, following accounts of previous destroyed nations, serves as a powerful declaration of Allah's ability to create and recreate, challenging those who doubt the Resurrection.
A Sky Built with Power
The verse begins with `وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بَنَيْنَٰهَا` (And the heaven, We built it). Notice how "the heaven" (`السَّمَآءَ`) is mentioned *before* the verb "We built it" (`بَنَيْنَاهَا`). Scholars like Ibn Ashur and Al-Razi point out this specific word order, known as *ishtighal* (pre-occupation) or *taqdim al-maf'ul* (prepositioning the object). It places immediate emphasis on the sky itself, highlighting its monumental significance as a sign before even mentioning the act of building. This draws attention to the marvel of the sky for those who might otherwise overlook it.
Furthermore, the word `بَنَيْنَا` (We built) is significant. Al-Razi explains that using the majestic plural "We" here emphasizes Allah's immense greatness and sovereignty, making it clear that no partner could possibly share in such a creation. He also highlights the choice of "built" (`بَنَيْنَا`) for the sky, drawing a parallel to how we see the sky as a sturdy, enduring structure, like a dome, distinct from the earth which is described as spread out.
The phrase `بِأَيْي۟دٍ` (with power) is central. Scholars such as al-Zamakhshari, al-Jalalayn, and Ibn Ashur unanimously clarify that `أَيْي۟دٍ` here means "strength" or "power" (`قوة`). While the word `أَيْي۟دٍ` originates from the word for "hand" (`يَد`), its usage here has evolved to signify immense power and capability, not a literal hand, affirming Allah's transcendence. Thus, the sky was not just built, but built with unparalleled, divine strength.
And Indeed, We are Expanders
The verse concludes with `وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ` (And indeed, We are expanders). The inclusion of `إِنَّا` (indeed We) and the emphatic particle `لَ` (`lam al-ta'keed`) further stresses this truth. The word `مُوسِعُونَ` (expanders) carries rich meanings. Al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn explain it as "capable" (`قادرون`), linking it to Allah's boundless power. Ibn Ashur connects it to the vastness of Allah's attributes and His Name *al-Wasi'* (the All-Encompassing), reinforcing His limitless ability. Al-Razi offers interpretations including: making the sky immensely vast, being capable of creating more or recreating the dead, and even providing vast sustenance. The core idea is Allah's infinite capacity and the sheer vastness of His creation. This underscores that He who built the vast heavens with such power is certainly capable of bringing forth life after death.
This verse, through its precise wording and grammatical structure, offers a profound reflection on Allah's unchallenged power, greatness, and the meticulous design of the universe, all intended to draw us closer to Him and affirm His omnipotence.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:47 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
- Abundance (Sa'ah) (key verse)
- The Heavens (Sama') (key verse)
- Praise (Madh)
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:47 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.