Tafsir of Saba' 34:11

Surah Saba' (Verse 11)

Original Text Segment:

أن اعمل سابغات . . . . . قيل إن أن ههنا للتفسير فهي مفسرة ، بمعنى أي اعمل سابغات وهو تفسير ألنا وتحقيقه لأن يعمل ، يعني ألنا له الحديد ليعمل سابغات ويمكن أن يقال ألهمناه أن اعمل وأن مع الفعل المستقبل للمصدر فيكون معناه : ألنا له الحديد وألهمناه عمل سابغات وهي الدروع الواسعة ذكر الصفة ويعلم منها الموصوف وقدر في السرد ، قال المفسرون : أي لا تغلظ المسامير فيتسع الثقب ولا توسع الثقب فتقلقل المسامير فيها ، ويحتمل أن يقال السرد هو عمل الزرد ، وقوله : { سابغات وقدر فى السرد } أي الزرد إشارة إلى أنه غير مأمور به أمر إيجاب إنما هو اكتساب والكسب يكون بقدر الحاجة وباقي الأيام والليالي للعبادة فقدر في ذلك العمل ولا تشغل جميع أوقاتك بالكسب بل حصل به القوت فحسب ، ويدل عليه قوله تعالى : { واعملوا صالحا } أي لستم مخلوقين إلا للعمل الصالح فاعملوا ذلك وأكثروا منه ، والكسب قدروا فيه ، ثم أكد طلب الفعل الصالح بقوله : { إنى بما تعملون بصير } وقد ذكرنا مرارا أن من يعمل لملك شغلا ويعلم أنه بمرأى من الملك يحسن العمل ويتقنه ويجتهد فيه ، ثم لما ذكر المنيب الواحد ذكر منيبا آخر وهو سليمان ، كما قال تعالى : { وألقينا على كرسيه جسدا ثم أناب } ( ص: 34 ) .

Translation:

(Regarding the command to David: "Work in ample coats of mail...")

It is said that the particle "أن" (an) here is for Tafsir (explanation), making it explanatory, meaning: "Work in ample coats of mail." This clarifies the meaning of "أَلَنَّا" (We softened [it] for him), implying: We softened the iron for him so that he might work in ample coats of mail.

Alternatively, it can be said that "أن" means "إلهام" (inspiration), and when combined with the future verb, it forms a verbal noun (Masdar). Thus, the meaning is: We softened the iron for him, and We inspired him to make ample coats of mail.

"سابغات" (ample coats of mail) refers to wide, encompassing armor. Mentioning the attribute implies the object itself (the armor).

Regarding "وَقَدِّرْ فِي السَّرْدِ" (and measure in the weaving/linking): The commentators say this means: Do not make the rivets (nails) too thick such that the holes become too wide, nor make the holes too wide so that the rivets become loose within them.

It is also possible that "السرد" (Sard) refers to the making of chainmail (Zard).

The phrase "{ سابغات وقدر فى السرد }" (ample coats of mail and measure in the linking) points to the fact that he was not commanded with an obligatory command (Wujub), but rather with an acquisition (Kasb). Earning should be according to need, leaving the rest of the days and nights for worship. Therefore, measure your effort in this work; do not occupy all your time with earning, but secure only enough sustenance.

This is supported by the Almighty's saying: "{ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا }" (And do righteous work). This means: You were not created except for righteous work, so perform it and increase in it, while being measured in your earning.

Then, the request for righteous action is emphasized by His saying: "{ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ }" (Indeed, I am Seeing of what you do). We have mentioned repeatedly that whoever works on a task for a king, knowing that the king is watching him, will perfect his work, make it excellent, and strive in it.

After mentioning the one who turned back to God (David, peace be upon him), God mentions another who turned back, which is Solomon, as He says: "{ وَأَلْقَيْنَا عَلَى كُرْسِيِّهِ جَسَدًا ثُمَّ أَنَابَ }" (And We cast upon his seat a body, then he turned back [to God]) (Surah Sad: 34).

Surah Saba' (Verse 12)

Original Text Segment:

{ ولسليمان الريح غدوها شهر ورواحها شهر وأسلنا له عين القطر ومن الجن من يعمل بين يديه بإذن ربه ومن يزغ منهم عن أمرنا نذقه من عذاب السعير } .

Translation:

{12} And for Solomon [We subjected] the wind; its morning journey was a month's [distance], and its evening journey was a month's [distance]. And We made flow for him the eye of molten copper. And among the Jinn were those who worked before him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever deviated among them from Our command, We will make him taste the punishment of the Blaze.