Surah Al-Inshiqaq 84:2
سُورَةُ الانشِقَاقِ · Meccan · Verse 2 of 25
وَأَذِنَتْ لِرَبِّهَا وَحُقَّتْ
Translation
obeying its Lord as it rightly must,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Surah Al-Inshiqaq opens with a stark depiction of the Day of Judgment, beginning with the sky. After describing the sky splitting open, the verse tells us: "وَأَذِنَتْ لِرَبِّهَا وَحُقَّتْ" (And it listened to its Lord, and it was bound to do so). This concise statement, rich in meaning, invites us to ponder the sheer power and authority of Allah.
Listening and Obeying
The word "أَذِنَتْ" (adhinat) comes from the root for "ear" (أُذُن), and it beautifully conveys the act of listening intently and then submitting. It’s as if the vast sky, upon hearing the command from its Master, stops everything else, turns its attention, and immediately complies. Scholars like Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain that this isn't just a passive event. Rather, the sky's splitting is an act of utter obedience, much like a servant who hears an order from an esteemed master and responds without hesitation or resistance. This personification deepens our understanding of the cosmic order and how all creation will respond to Allah's will.
To Its Lord
The choice of the Divine Name "لِرَبِّهَا" (li Rabbihā), meaning "to its Lord," is particularly significant, as Ibn Ashur notes. "Rabb" encompasses the meanings of Master, Owner, Sustainer, and Director. It reminds us that the sky's obedience isn't random; it's an inherent quality rooted in its very creation and continuous reliance on Allah. Everything in the heavens and the earth is under His complete ownership and management, leaving no room for resistance.
Its Inherent Nature
Following this, the phrase "وَحُقَّتْ" (wa huqqat) reinforces this truth with powerful finality. It means "and it was bound to do so" or "it was fitting and due for it to obey." It's an affirmation that the sky's submission isn't just an act, but its very nature and obligation. Al-Razi explains that created beings, being dependent and possible, have no choice but to yield to the will of the All-Powerful Creator. Therefore, the sky's obedience is not just an event; it's a fundamental reality. It had no alternative but to comply, for such is the nature of creation before its Creator. This simple phrase underscores the absolute and undeniable dominion of Allah over all things.
This verse, therefore, paints a vivid picture of a universe utterly responsive to its Creator, where even the immense sky humbly and rightfully yields to Allah's command on the Day of Judgment. It calls us to reflect on our own posture of humility and submission to Him.
Source: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi).
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
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