Tafsir Al-Jalalayn: Al-Mulk, Ayah 2
Common Words
Other Scholars on This Ayah
Tafsir
(Who hath created life) resembling a white-and-black female horse which does not pass by, step on, or is smelled by a thing except that that thing becomes alive. This beast is smaller than a mule and bigger than an ass, one gallop can transport it as far as it can see. It is used as a means of travel by the prophets; (and death) resembling a ram whose wool is a mixture of white and black. This ram does not pass by, step on, or is smelled by, any thing except that that thing dies. It is also said that (He created death) means: He created the sperm drop; and (created life) means: He created the living being; (that He may try you) between life and death, (which of you is best in conduct) which of you is more sincere in works; (and He is the Mighty) in retribution against those who disbelieve in Him, (Forgiving) He forgives those who repent and believe in Him,
Al-Jalalayn Commentary
He Who created death in this world and life in the Hereafter — or both of them in this world since the sperm-drop is imbued with life life being that power by which sensation becomes possible death being the opposite of this or the non-existence of it — these being two alternative opinions; in the case of the latter life in the Hereafter ‘creation’ implies ‘ordainment’ — that He may try you that He may test you in this life to see which of you is best in conduct which of you is most obedient to God and He is the Mighty in His vengeance against those who disobey Him the Forgiving to those who repent to Him;