Surah An-Najm 53:43
سُورَةُ النَّجۡمِ · Meccan · Verse 43 of 62
وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ
Translation
that it is He who makes people laugh and weep;
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse, "وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ" (And that it is He Who causes laughter and weeping), comes as a powerful reminder of Allah's absolute control over our deepest human experiences. After reflecting on the ultimate return to our Lord, the Quran draws our attention to the immediate, intimate realities of our lives here in this world.
The Emphasis on "He"
The specific wording, "وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ", beginning with an emphatic pronoun (هُوَ, He), immediately draws our attention. Scholars like Ibn Ashur and al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran highlight that this "He" emphasizes *exclusivity*. It is *only* Allah, and no other, who possesses the power to bring forth laughter and weeping. This grammatical structure powerfully asserts that no partner, no idol, no natural force, shares in this unique, intimate control over our emotional states. It firmly grounds our understanding in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid).
Uniquely Human Emotions
The words "أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ" refer to causing laughter and causing weeping. Imam al-Razi and Ibn Ashur both point out that these two actions, laughter and weeping, are unique to humans among all creatures. They are not merely physical reactions but deep expressions of the soul's joy and sorrow. By mentioning these distinct human characteristics, the verse subtly reminds us of the intricate and wise creation of mankind, setting us apart from other beings. No one can truly explain the precise mechanisms or reasons behind a tear or a laugh in a way that fully accounts for their profound impact; they are signs of a Creator.
The Universal Act
Notice that the verse does not say *who* is made to laugh or weep. There are no direct objects specified. Scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur observe that this omission shifts the focus from specific individuals to the *act* itself. The point is not who laughs or who cries, but that Allah is the one *causing* laughter and weeping. This highlights His boundless power and ability to govern all emotional states for everyone, at all times. It's a universal declaration of His omnipotence over a fundamental aspect of human existence.
Laughter Before Tears
Finally, the order in which "laughter" (أَضْحَكَ) is mentioned before "weeping" (أَبْكَىٰ) also holds significance. Ibn Ashur suggests this order is a subtle gesture of divine grace and favor (Imtinan), and also contributes to the beautiful rhythm and flow of the verse. This pairing, joining two opposite states, is known as *tibāq* in Arabic rhetoric, beautifully showing Allah's comprehensive control over all conditions, from joy to sorrow.
Through these precise word choices and grammatical structures, the verse invites us to recognize Allah's exclusive and profound authority over our innermost emotions, reminding us that every laugh and every tear ultimately originates from Him.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Najm 53:43 is discussed in 4 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Najm 53:43 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.