Tafsir of Al-Qamar 54:2

This necessitates that the splitting of the moon was a sign they witnessed and then turned away from. It has been claimed that the splitting of the moon refers to the parting of darkness upon its rising—just as the morning is called "falaq" (the split) when darkness splits away from it. The word "shaqq" (splitting) is sometimes used for this, as in the statement of Al-Nabigha: "When they retreated and had a clamor, the caller of the morning 'split' (shaqqa) called us."

Another has claimed that the meaning of the splitting of the moon is that the affair became clear and manifest. Both claims are such that one should not rely upon them nor pay them any heed. I do not think the impetus for these claims—for anyone who acknowledges the (divine) power that is greater than the splitting of the moon and confesses to the Islamic tenets upon which there is consensus—is anything other than the lack of certainty regarding the reports of that event having occurred during his time (peace and blessings be upon him). The source of this is profound deficiency and clinging to doubts that are as flimsy as the tip of a reed. Notwithstanding this, one who denies it is not declared an infidel (kafir), based on the lack of consensus regarding its tawatur (mass transmission) and the fact that the verse is not an explicit text regarding it. Excommunicating someone from the religion is a grave matter, so one must exercise caution in it more than in anything else. And Allah, the Exalted, is the Grantor of success.

It is apparent that the intended meaning of "the Hour has drawn near" is extreme temporal proximity. Everything that is coming is near, and the duration of the world is long; what remains relative to what has passed is a small amount. The Imam inclined toward the view that it means its proximity in terms of intellect and thought—the sum of which is that it is possible with a proximity that makes it inappropriate for anyone to deny it. Using the term "drawing near" despite it being a settled matter is like the use of "la'alla" (perhaps/perchance) in the words of the Exalted: {Perhaps the Hour is near}, even though the matter is known to Allah, the Exalted. The splitting of the moon is a clear sign of this proximity. According to the first view, it is a sign of the inherent possibility that reality necessitates. According to the second, it is a sign of the proximity of the occurrence and a miracle for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), considering that Allah, the Exalted, informed in His books that when the Hour draws near, the moon will split as a miracle. Both are as you can see.

Some have chosen that it is a sign of the truthfulness of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in everything he says and communicates from his Lord, the Glorified, because it is a miracle for him (peace and blessings be upon him), and from it comes the claim of messengership, reports of the Hour’s proximity, and so forth.

"Sign" (Ayah) is an indefinite noun in the context of a conditional, so it is general. The meaning is: "And if they see any sign, they turn away" from contemplating it so as to grasp the nature of its indication and the loftiness of its rank.

{And they say, 'Magic...'} meaning this, or it—that is, what we see—is magic.

{...continuous} meaning persistent and everlasting, which Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brings forth over the course of time. This is manifest in the succession of signs and the follow-up of miracles.

Abu al-Aliyah and al-Dahhak said: "Continuous" (mustamir) means firmly established and verified, from the word marra (with a fatha or kasra), meaning strength. It is originally an infinitive from "I twisted the rope once (marrah)" if you twist it firmly. Thus, it is intended as "the absolutely firm" by way of a general metaphor.

Anas, Yaman, Mujahid, al-Kisa'i, and al-Farra—and al-Nahhas preferred this—said "continuous" means passing, departing, and vanishing shortly. They comforted themselves with this and deluded themselves with empty meanings, as if they were saying: "Indeed, his state (peace and blessings be upon him) and what appeared of his miracles from the Exalted is but a summer cloud that will soon vanish." {But Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.}

It is also said: "Continuous" means intensely bitter, meaning it is loathsome to us and we are repelled by it due to its intense bitterness. It is said, "The thing became bitter (marra and amarra)" if it becomes bitter, and he made something else bitter. It can be intransitive and transitive.

It is also said: "Continuous" means it resembles itself—i.e., his actions continued in this manner of illusions.

It is also said: "Continuous" means passing from the earth to the sky—that is, his magic reached the point that it was the magic of the moon. This is of no substance. Perhaps what is most appropriate for their extremism in stubbornness and arrogance is what was narrated from Anas and those with him.

It was recited: "And if they see (wa-in yuraw)" in the passive voice, indicating that it is perceived.