Surah Adh-Dhaariyat
Chapter 51 · Verse 18 · Revealed in Makkah
“And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness,”
Translation: Saheeh International
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Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
Qualities of Those Who have Taqwa and Their Reward
Allah the Exalted informs about those who have Taqwa, that on the Day of their Return they will be amidst gardens and springs. To the contrary the miserable ones will be amidst torment, punishment, fire and chains. Allah said,
ءَاخِذِينَ مَآ ءَاتَـهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Merits of Seeking Forgiveness in the hours before dawn
وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ (and in the hours before dawn, they used to pray for forgiveness..., 51:18) The word ashar is the plural of sahar, and it refers to the latter sixth part of the night. This verse speaks of the significance of seeking forgiveness in the latter part of the night. Another verse [ 3:17] also speaks of the significance of seeking forgiveness at the last hours of the night thus: وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ (...and who seek forgiveness in pre-dawn hours. - 3:17) It is confirmed in the Sahih collections as well as others, from several Companions, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
What does this verse bring up for you today?