Surah As-Saaffaat

Chapter 37 · Verse 49 · Revealed in Makkah

كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌۭ مَّكْنُونٌۭ

“As if they were [delicate] eggs, well-protected.”

Translation: Saheeh International

Listen to recitationMishary Rashid Alafasy

Reflection — Ibn Kathir

The Punishment of the Idolators and the Reward of the sincere Believers

Allah says, addressing the people:

إِنَّكُمْ لَذَآئِقُو الْعَذَابَ الاٌّلِيمِ - وَمَا تُجْزَوْنَ إِلاَّ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

Reflection — Maarif ul Quran

8\. In verse 49: كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُونٌ (as if they were hidden eggs). As obvious, the hurs of Jannah have been likened to hidden eggs in this verse. The simile was popularly recognized among the people of Arabia. The egg hidden under feathers remains safe from the pollution, therefore it is always neat and clean. Moreover, its color is yellowish white, which was deemed by the Arabs as the most attractive color for women. Then there are other commentators who say that this simile does not relate to eggs as such, instead, the simile relates to the membrane hidden in the egg, and the sense is that the skin of those women will be as soft as the membrane of the eggs. (Ruh-ul-Ma ani) Allah knows best.

What does this verse bring up for you today?