Surah Ad-Duha 93:2
سُورَةُ الضُّحَىٰ · Meccan · Verse 2 of 11
وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ
Translation
and by the night when it grows still,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The Serenity of Night
When Allah swears by "وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ" (and by the night when it covers), He draws our attention to the night in a specific, profound state. This ayah follows an oath by "al-Duha" (the morning brightness), and together, they introduce a powerful message of reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after a period of delayed revelation. Allah, the Speaker, is lovingly refuting the disbelievers' cruel taunts that He had abandoned His Prophet.
What 'Sajaa' Means
The Arabic word "سَجَىٰ" (sajaa) is rich with meaning, painting a vivid picture of the night's unique character. Scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi highlight several aspects. It means the night has "sakan" (become still, serene, quiet), implying a calm stillness where the wind settles and the waves of the sea become tranquil. It also means the night "adhlam" (darkened) and "ghaṭṭa" (covered), as if it spreads its blanket of darkness over everything. Ibn Ashur notes how this suggests the night's darkness extending and lengthening, enveloping the world just as a garment covers a person. This single word, "sajaa," thus captures the profound stillness, the deepening darkness, and the comforting embrace of night.
The Wisdom of This Oath
Allah's oath by such a night carries deep wisdom, especially in contrast to the morning brightness mentioned in the preceding ayah. This alternation between "al-Duha" (light and activity) and "al-Layl" (darkness and stillness) is a fundamental rhythm of existence. As Ibn Ashur explains, the morning brightness can symbolize the dawning of revelation and guidance, while the still night could refer to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) night prayers, which the disbelievers may have observed stopping during the delay in revelation.
Al-Razi further suggests that these two opposing states of creation, day and night, illustrate Allah's unchanging wisdom. Just as the night follows the day not out of caprice but divine design, so too does the rhythm of revelation and its temporary pause occur according to Allah's perfect plan, not out of abandonment or displeasure. The stillness of "sajaa" can also symbolize a period of rest or quiet, preparing for a new dawn of activity and divine communication.
Through this carefully chosen word, "sajaa," Allah reminds us of His constant control over all states of being, providing profound comfort and stability even when life seems quiet or dark. The night, in its covering stillness, is a testament to a greater wisdom at play.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Qur'anic Worlds
In the opening of Surah Ad-Duha, Allah takes a solemn oath by two beautiful times of day to reassure His beloved Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The verse we are pondering, "وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ" (And the night when it covers all), follows the oath by the morning light, drawing our hearts to the deep, silent wisdom of the cosmos.
The Night's Embrace
Allah swears by "the night when it covers all." The Arabic word "سَجَىٰ" (saja) beautifully captures several meanings related to the night's embrace. Scholars like al-Baghawi, Ibn Kathir, and al-Razi explain that it means the night has *settled*, *become still*, or *covered everything with its darkness*. Imagine the transition from dusk to deep night, when the world gradually grows quiet, activity ceases, and a profound stillness descends. The darkness then extends, enveloping the landscape like a soft blanket. This description evokes a sense of peace, tranquility, and encompassing serenity. It’s a moment when the world takes a breath, a clear sign of the Creator's power and design, as Ibn Kathir observes.
A Witness to Distress
To truly appreciate this verse, we must place it within the *World of Revelation*. As Ma'arif al-Quran details, this Surah was revealed during a period of immense personal trial for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). There was a temporary pause, known as *fatrah al-wahy*, in the descent of divine revelation. This silence was agonizing for the Prophet, and it led disbelievers, particularly Umm Jamil, Abu Lahab's wife, to taunt him, claiming his Lord had abandoned him or was displeased with him. Imagine the Prophet's profound sadness and inner turmoil during these days. It was in this deeply challenging moment, when he felt most alone and vulnerable, that Allah revealed these verses as a profound consolation.
A Cosmic Consolation
The oath by the night, with its stillness and covering, is a divine message tailored to this specific context. Just as the night brings a calming stillness after the day's movement, and a covering darkness that offers rest, Allah is reassuring the Prophet that His care encompasses him completely. Sayyid Qutb beautifully highlights how Allah connects the tranquility of the cosmos to the human soul, fostering a sense of belonging and warmth within the universe. The alternation of light and dark, movement and stillness, is not random; it is a meticulously ordered design, a proof of Allah's wisdom and unchanging presence. Al-Razi further reflects that the very existence of the quiet night, following the day, signals that after every period of difficulty (like the delay in revelation), ease and light will surely follow. This oath by the calm, encompassing night reminds the Prophet, and us, that even in moments of darkness or apparent abandonment, Allah’s presence is constant, His wisdom is at work, and His embrace is ever-present.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn Kathir, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Worldly Mirror
This verse, "وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ" (Wal-layli idha saja), which means "And by the night when it covers" or "by the night when it settles," is an oath Allah takes in the Quran. Allah uses this powerful imagery to convey a profound message.
The Night's Stillness
When Allah swears by "the night when it covers," He draws our attention to the unique qualities of night. The Arabic word *saja* implies a deep settling, a stillness, and a complete covering by darkness, much like a person might be covered by a garment. As scholars like Israr Ahmad and Ibn al-Jawzi note, this describes the night as it extends its darkness and tranquility over creation. It is a time when movement ceases and quiet descends.
A Cosmic Assurance
This oath is a prelude to a deeply reassuring message for Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. During a period when divine revelation, the Quranic verses, was delayed, the Prophet faced taunts and doubts, and naturally felt a sense of concern. Allah takes this oath to directly address those feelings, emphasizing His continuous care.
Through the "Worldly Mirror" lens, we can see this night as a reflection of human experience. Just as the physical night brings a covering of darkness, we all encounter periods in our lives that feel like a "night" – times of uncertainty, quiet struggle, spiritual stillness, or even a sense of being lost or abandoned. Sayyid Qutb reflects that the universe, with its alternating day and night, carries signs that resonate with the human soul, fostering a sense of belonging rather than alienation. Even in our darkest moments, Allah is present, actively engaging with and affirming these very states of being.
Finding Hope in the Dark
The significance of Allah swearing by the night when it settles is profound. It tells us that these periods of perceived 'darkness' or delay are not without purpose. They are part of Allah's magnificent design, just as vital and meaningful as the light of day. Tazkirul Quran reminds us of a divine pattern: initial hardship often paves the way for ease, provided one perseveres and keeps their gaze fixed on Allah. So, when our own "night" settles in, this verse invites us to contemplate the tranquility and order within it, to trust that Allah has not forsaken us, and to know that even in the quietest, most challenging moments, His promise of ultimate ease and grace remains.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Connections
Surah Ad-Duha opens with powerful oaths, and this verse, "وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ" (And the night when it covers [all]), is the second part of that divine pledge. Allah, the Speaker, is addressing Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, with profound reassurance, particularly during a time when revelation had paused. The immediate situation is one of consolation, countering the Prophet's worry and the taunts of his enemies.
The Oath's Power
This verse links directly to the preceding one, which swore by the morning brightness. Here, Allah swears by the night, specifically "إذا سجى" (when it covers [all]). The Arabic term *saja* signifies the night's stillness and how its darkness settles and blankets everything. As al-Wasit (Tantawi) explains, it refers to the quietude when people rest after their daily endeavors. This contrast between the bright, active day and the dark, tranquil night creates a complete picture of time, emphasizing Allah's control over the entire cosmos. These majestic oaths serve to underscore the absolute truth and weight of the message that follows: "Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He detested you."
Deeper Meanings of Stillness
Al-Biqa'i, reflecting on the coherence of the Quran, notes how the night is described by its most complete state: pure, encompassing darkness. This "sajaa" is not just darkness, but a beautiful, settled covering that brings stillness. He draws a profound connection between these cosmic states of light and darkness and the human condition. Just as there is pure light (day) and pure darkness (night), our souls have a pure light (the spirit) and a deep darkness (our base nature). Our hearts and selves exist in mixtures of these, constantly influenced by which aspect prevails. The calmness of the night, when everything is covered, can thus be seen as a state where ultimate benefit is found and beauty prevails.
A Message of Consolation
The connection between the day, the night, and the subsequent reassurance is central to the surah's purpose. As al-Sabuni highlights, the entire chapter serves to comfort the Prophet, reaffirming Allah's unwavering care despite the delay in revelation. By swearing by the clear, rising day and the serene, enveloping night, Allah emphasizes that He is the Master of all conditions, both visible and hidden, active and still. He who orchestrates such grand cosmic patterns is certainly attentive to the Prophet's state, offering a powerful declaration of love and support.
Sources: al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Wisdom
This beautiful verse invites us to ponder the still, silent expanse of the night: "And by the night when it covers." (Surah 93:2). To truly appreciate this, we first understand its original context.
The Plain Meaning
In this surah, Allah is speaking directly to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He begins by swearing oaths, first by the morning light (mentioned in the preceding verse) and then by "the night when it covers" (وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ). This specific phrase refers to the night when its darkness deepens and settles over everything, bringing stillness. These oaths serve as a profound introduction to a message of comfort and reassurance for the Prophet during a challenging time.
The Promise in the Quiet
The scholars explain that this surah was revealed to console the Prophet (peace be upon him) when revelation, the visits from the Angel Jibreel, paused for a period. During this time, disbelievers taunted him, suggesting his Lord had abandoned him. Mufti Shafi's Ma'arif al-Quran highlights this specific occasion of revelation. By swearing by the night, a time of quiet and deep shadows, Allah implicitly acknowledges the Prophet's period of waiting and the 'darkness' of those taunts.
For us, this speaks to times in our own lives when things feel stagnant, silent, or even dark. When we are waiting for a breakthrough, for guidance, or for a sign, and it seems as though nothing is happening. The phrase "when it covers" (إِذَا سَجَىٰ) from al-Munir by Wahba al-Zuhayli, implies a deep, enveloping stillness. Even in such moments, the oath reminds us that this "night" is under Allah's command and purposeful. Al-Saadi notes that the oath by the night, "and its darkness deepens, [shows] Allah's care for His Messenger," reminding us of divine presence even in difficulty.
Allah's Constant Care
The general lesson embedded in this oath is a profound one: Allah's control and care are constant, whether in the bright activity of day or the still depths of night. Just as night follows day in an unceasing, ordered cycle, so too are our lives orchestrated by a divine plan that never falters. This verse is a reminder that even when we perceive 'delay' or 'darkness' in our circumstances, it is not a sign of abandonment. Rather, it is part of Allah's wisdom and a testament to His unwavering attention. It is an invitation to patience and trust, knowing that the stillness of the night is always followed by the promise of dawn.
Sources: Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ad-Duha 93:2 is discussed in 9 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ad-Duha 93:2 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.