Quranic Passage 3

Surah 41.37 (Fussilat)

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِ ٱلَّيْلُ وَٱلنَّهَارُ وَٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ ۚ لَا تَسْجُدُوا۟ لِلشَّمْسِ وَلَا لِلْقَمَرِ وَٱسْجُدُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُنَّ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ

Translation

37. Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore Allah, who created them, if it is Him you wish to serve.

Main Theme(s)

The main themes are: God as Creator; God’s signs; Tawhid/Lord of mankind

This passage is from the theme of God in Himself. It says that God creates and controls everything, in this verse specifically: the sun and the moon. The order and cycle of the sun and the moon are God's signs for humankind. They are signs of His power so only He should be worshipped; no-one is equal to Him. It is a negation of paganism, i.e. the sun and moon are not to be worshipped. The Holy Qur’an says:

“Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day… (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.” (2:164, Al-Baqarah)

Importance of these Themes in a Muslim’s life today

The importance of these verses is to strengthen belief by showing that created things are not permanent. It creates a strong link with God so Muslims do not look up to anything or anyone else, famous people, money, etc., and they worship only Him. It stops them from committing shirk. The prophets have asked God for guidance and so Muslims should take this guidance too, in this case Hazrat Ibrahim. God's signs invite Muslims to observe their environment. It creates awe and wonder to help get closer to Him. They should realise they need to look to one God for their answers, rather than looking to created things for guidance, and also ponder on His signs. The Holy Qur’an declares:

“Verily, in the alternation of the night and the day, and in all that Allah hath created, in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who fear Him.” (10:6, Yunus)