Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the Shayâtîn (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَلَقَدْwalaqadAnd certainly
زَيَّنَّاzayyannāWe have beautified
ٱلسَّمَآءَl-samāathe heaven
ٱلدُّنْيَاl-dun'yānearest
بِمَصَـٰبِيحَbimaṣābīḥawith lamps
وَجَعَلْنَـٰهَاwajaʿalnāhāand We have made them
رُجُومًۭاrujūman(as) missiles
لِّلشَّيَـٰطِينِ ۖlilshayāṭīnifor the devils
وَأَعْتَدْنَاwa-aʿtadnāand We have prepared
لَهُمْlahumfor them
عَذَابَʿadhābapunishment
ٱلسَّعِيرِl-saʿīri(of) the Blaze
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 5) {وَلَقَدْزَيَّنَّاالسَّمَآءَالدُّنْيَابِمَصَابِيْحَ … : ’’ الدُّنْيَا ‘‘ ’’دَنَايَدْنُوْ‘‘} is the feminine of {’’أَدْنٰي‘‘}, the closest. Although each of the seven heavens is a magnificent example of the Creator’s craftsmanship, the adornment and protection that We have arranged for the sky closest to the earth is somewhat visible to you as well; for this, there is not even a need for any special instrument. Here, three benefits of the stars have been mentioned: the first benefit is adornment. At night, with countless small and large stars, the sky appears so adorned and beautiful; if there were no stars, it would look just as ugly and unattractive. The second benefit is light, which is understood from the word {’’مَصَابِيْحُ‘‘} (lamps). If these lamps were not there, every night would be extremely dark. The third benefit is that through these stars, those devils are driven away who try to listen to the conversations of the angels and convey them to the soothsayers, so that they can mislead people by claiming knowledge of the unseen. For details, see the commentary of Surah As-Saffat (6 to 10). The fourth benefit is mentioned elsewhere: « وَبِالنَّجْمِهُمْيَهْتَدُوْنَ »[ النحل : ۱۶ ] “And with the stars, they find their way.” That is, stars are used to determine the way and direction on land and sea. Apart from these, considering stars as a source of fortune or misfortune, or believing them to possess any power, is shirk.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
5. 1. Here, two purposes of the stars have been mentioned: one, the adornment of the heavens because they burn like lamps; second, when the devils try to ascend towards the heavens, these fall upon them as flames. The third purpose is that which has been mentioned at other places, that they are used for navigation on land and sea.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
And We have certainly adorned the lowest heaven with lamps, and We have made them missiles to drive away the devils [9], and We have prepared for them the punishment of the blazing Fire.
[9] For its explanation, see footnote number 9 on verse 17 of Surah Al-Hijr.
