Surah Al-Qamar — Verse 28

Word Meanings:

• Qismah: A division or apportionment.
• Shirb: A share or portion of water, or the day designated for drinking.
• Muhtadar: That which is attended or present; the one whose turn it is comes to it.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Inform them, O Messenger, that the water of the well is divided between your people and the she-camel: one day is for her to drink, and another day is for them. Each share is attended by its rightful owner—when it is the she-camel’s day, she comes to the water, and when it is the people’s day, they come to it. No one may trespass upon the other’s portion, and each must await their appointed turn. This was a trial from Allah to test their obedience and patience, and a clear sign of His power and justice.

This decree carried profound wisdom: it established a system of fairness and mutual respect, even between humans and animals, teaching that every creature has rights that must be honoured. The she-camel, a miraculous sign from Allah, was not to be harmed, and the water was not to be monopolised. Yet, as the following verses show, the people rejected this divine arrangement and transgressed, leading to their ruin.

Reflection and Da‘wah:

This verse reminds us of the beauty of Allah’s justice and His care for all creation. He did not leave the people without guidance; rather, He gave them a clear, workable system that preserved harmony. How merciful is our Lord, who even regulates the sharing of water between a people and an animal! This calls us to reflect: if Allah commands fairness in worldly matters, how much more does He command justice in our dealings with one another? Let us learn from this story to respect the rights of others, to be patient with divine decrees, and to recognise that every blessing—like water—is a trust from Allah to be used with gratitude and responsibility. The Qur’an is not merely a book of stories; it is a living guide that lights our path to success in this life and the next. Embrace its teachings, and you will find peace, purpose, and the pleasure of your Creator.