Transliteration:( Wassubhi izaa tanaffas )
"And by the morning when it starts breathing." (Surah Al-Takweer: 18)
13. This verse refers to the last portion of the night and the morning, which could signify either every night or daybreak. These are times for weeping, devotional prayer, and seeking from the Lord, and they are beloved to Allah Almighty because they are associated with His pious servants. Their weeping and devotion are cherished by Allah. Therefore, the times and places connected with His beloved servants become beloved as well.
Sacred Places: The Sacred Makkah, the hills of Safa and Marwa, and Maqaame Ebrahim are cherished because of their association with the beloved servants of Allah.
Significant Events: "Night" could refer to the night of Me'raaj, and "morning" could refer to the birth of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, as these are significant events tied to these times.
Special Dates: The 27th night of Rajab and the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal hold special significance, as these are times when important events took place. Likewise, the Night of Qadr and the month of Ramadan hold a place of great reverence.
13 (cont.): Another interpretation relates to the human soul: the night symbolizes negligence or apostasy, while the day symbolizes wakefulness, guidance, and worship. The day represents the state of being aligned with Allah's commands, while the night represents the neglect of these duties.
These contrasts reflect the absolute power of Allah Almighty, and oaths on these times and conditions have been ordained.
The phrase "when it starts breathing" from this verse can be intriguing when considered from a scientific perspective. Some scientists and scholars interpret this metaphor to describe the transition from night to day — a time when the Earth "awakens" as it moves into the daylight hours, a process that supports life. From a scientific perspective:
The Earth's Biological Cycle: Just as the Earth transitions from night to day, this could be likened to how biological organisms depend on the daily cycle of light and darkness. Many creatures, including humans, experience circadian rhythms that regulate sleep, wakefulness, and bodily functions, aligning with the verse's metaphor of "breathing" or awakening with the dawn.
Atmospheric Changes: During the morning, the atmosphere undergoes significant changes, especially as the sun rises. The temperature increases, and the air begins to move more dynamically, creating a shift in wind patterns and weather conditions. This could symbolically represent "breathing" as nature comes to life with the arrival of the morning.
Photosynthesis and Life: The morning light activates photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, which sustains life on Earth. The "breathing" of the morning could symbolically refer to the vital processes that start as the Earth is bathed in sunlight, much like how breathing is essential for life.
The tafsir of Surah Takwir verse 18 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Takwir ayat 15 which provides the complete commentary from verse 15 through 29.
(81:18) and the morn as it breathes.[13]
13. That for which the oath has been sworn, has been stated in the following verses. The oath means: Muhammad (peace be upon him) has not seen a vision in darkness, but when the stars had disappeared, the night had departed and the bright morning had appeared, he had seen the Angel of God in the open sky. Therefore, what he tells you is based on his own personal observation and on the experience that he had in full senses in the full light of day.
Related Ayat(Verses)/Topics