Surah Al-Hijr — Verse 18

Word Meanings:

• اسْتَرَقَ السَّمْعَ (istaraqa al-sam‘a): To secretly eavesdrop or stealthily snatch a fragment of speech, like someone who listens covertly without permission.
• شِهَابٌ مُّبِينٌ (shihābun mubīn): A clear, bright flaming meteor or a luminous celestial body that pierces and burns.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse continues the description of the divine protection over the heavens, stating that no devil or jinn can ascend to overhear the discussions of the exalted assembly (al-mala’ al-a‘lā) — except for one who manages to snatch a word by stealth. Yet, the moment such a creature attempts to eavesdrop, it is immediately pursued and struck by a brilliant, piercing meteor (shihāb mubīn) that burns and destroys it.

However, as some scholars note, in rare instances, a devil may cast the fragment of what it overheard to its human ally — a soothsayer or fortune-teller — before the meteor consumes it. This is why some predictions of soothsayers occasionally contain a sliver of truth mixed with abundant falsehood, for the devil adds many lies to that stolen word. This divine measure ensures that the unseen knowledge of Allah remains guarded, and no creature can access it at will.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

This verse is a profound reminder of Allah’s absolute sovereignty and His meticulous protection of the unseen realm. The heavens are not left unguarded; they are fortified with blazing meteors that repel every intruder. Just as Allah protects the celestial domain, He also guards the hearts of His sincere servants from the whispers of devils — provided they cling to His remembrance and His Book.

So, when you feel the pull of superstition, fortune-telling, or any claim to hidden knowledge, remember that these are but the devil’s tricks, built on a stolen word and a thousand lies. Turn instead to the One who holds all knowledge, the All-Knowing (al-‘Alīm), and seek your guidance from His revealed words. For in the Qur’an lies the true light that no meteor can outshine, and in sincere faith lies a protection that no devil can breach. Let this verse deepen your trust in Allah’s perfect order and your reliance on Him alone.