Az-Zumar (The Groups)

Verse 42

Table of Contents

    42. It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those [souls] for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Indeed in this [taking and giving the soul at the time of sleep and wakefulness] are [great] signs [of Divine Omnipotence] for a people who think deeply.

    In order to make it clear that all human affairs including their life and death is lies within Divine Omnipotence, the blessed Verse in question says:

    “It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death and those that die not during their sleep.”

    Thus, sleep is death’s brother and the former indicates the least frailty of the nexus between soul and body and many a bond between the twain is severed at the time.

    The Verse further adds:

    “He keeps those [souls] for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed,”

    such that they do not wake up and other souls for who He has ordained to live on are restored to their bodies for an appointed term. Verily, the point in question indicates clear signs for those who reflect upon the same.