(Of course...

(Of course, some of the nine planets have a moon or moons which are different from the planets themselves) . By the way, the term /jawari/, the plural form of /Jariyah/ (one of the meanings is 'ships in motion') , is a delicate analogy which compares the movement of these planets, in the ocean of sky, with the movement of ships on the surface of the oceans.

It seems that the Qur'an, by stating these meaningful oaths with a kind of ambiguity, tends to stir minds and make them contemplate and pay attention to the exceptional and various status of these planets from the millions of stars around them, in order to better understand the greatness of the Creator of this lofty establishment. Others have suggested some commentaries on these verses which we will not mention here.

A narration, on the commentary of these verses, denotes that Amir-al-Mo'mineen (p.b.u.h.) said: They are five stars: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury. And (by) the night when it ends. The term /'as'as/ is based on /'as'asah/ which originally means 'pale darkness' and since darkness is lesser at the beginning and at the end of the night this word is used for the coming and going of night, and that is why, in Arabic, 'he who goes round by night to keep watch' , is called /'asas/.

Although, as was mentioned before, the term has two quite opposite meanings, here, and by the evidence of the next verse, it means the end of night. In fact, it is similar to the oath mentioned in Sura Muddathir, No.74, verse 33: And by the Night as it refreateth. Night is one of the great gifts from Allah and it is both the cause of Man's spiritual and bodily tranquility, as well as an adjustment for the Sun's heat and, consequently, the continuation of vitality in living creatures.

The emphasis put on 'the end of night' may be for the reason that night moves toward light and brightness and it is the best time for praying to and the worshipping of Allah. Dawn, in this world, is the beginning of movement and struggle for living creatures. And (by) the morning when it breathes. What an interesting analogy!

Morning resembles a living creature whose first breath is dawn and blows vitality into all creatures, as if it had been captured in the grip of night and now with the first glow of day, becomes free and breathes. This sense is similar to what is mentioned in Sura Muddathir. No.74, verse 34 which occurs after the oath to the night, which says: And by the Dawn as it shines forth.