Tafsir of As-Saffat 37:49

as if they were Bayd Maknun. Their bodies are described as having the most perfect color. Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him:

كٲنهن بيض مكنون

(as if they were Bayd Maknun), means, as if they were hidden pearls. Al-Hasan said:

كٲنهن بيض مكنون

(as if they were Bayd Maknun), means, "protected, never touched by any hands." As-Suddi said, "The well preserved egg in its nest.'' Sa`id bin Jubayr said:

كٲنهن بيض مكنون

(as if they were Bayd Maknun), means, "The inside of the egg.'' Ata' Al-Khurasani said, "It is the membrane which is between its outer shell and its inner contents.'' As-Suddi said:

كٲنهن بيض مكنون

(as if they were Bayd Maknun) means, "The white of the egg when its shell is removed.'' Ibn Jarir's view concerning the meaning of Maknun (well preserved) is, "the outer shell is touched by the wing of the bird and the nest, and by people's hands, unlike the interior of the egg. And Allah knows best."