Juz 4: Āl ʿImrān 93 to An-Nisāʾ 23
Section 15 of 19 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
14. Reflection on Creation and Closing Supplications | Verses: Al-Imran 3:190-199
The concluding verses of Surah Al-Imran represent some of the most profound passages in the Quran, inviting deep contemplation and spiritual reflection. These verses, often referred to as the "khawātim" (sealing verses) of the surah, were particularly beloved by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who would recite them during his tahajjud prayers in the stillness of the night.
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala opens this section with a powerful call to reflection:
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ"
“Surely, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs for the people of wisdom." [3:190]”
People of wisdom (ulil albāb) are then described as:
الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ
“Those who remember Allah standing and sitting, and (lying) on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth." [3:191]”
The true people of understanding engage in constant remembrance of Allah in all physical positions – standing, sitting, and lying down – while simultaneously contemplating the magnificent creation around them. This combination of dhikr (remembrance) and fikr (contemplation) represents the highest form of intellectual and spiritual engagement.
This profound reflection leads them to a heartfelt supplication:
رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Our Lord, You have not created this in vain. We proclaim Your purity. So, save us from the punishment of Fire." [3:191]”
The connection between contemplating creation and seeking protection from Hellfire highlights an important spiritual insight: proper reflection on the universe reveals its purposeful design and prevents misuse of creation that could lead to punishment. When we understand that Allah created everything with wisdom and purpose, we are more likely to use His creation correctly and avoid sinful indulgence.
These verses continue with a series of beautiful supplications that express the core concerns of the believers:
رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ
“Our Lord, whomsoever You admit into the Fire, he is disgraced by You indeed, and for the unjust there are no helpers." [3:192]”
رَّبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آم.
“[3:193]”