What is 'Marjan' mentioned in the Quran?

According to classical Islamic scholarship, 'Marjan' in the Quran (55:22) refers to a precious sea gem. The most common interpretation is that it is coral, particularly red coral. Some scholars like Ibn Abbas have also interpreted it as small or fine pearls.

What is the meaning of Surah Ar-Rahman, verse 22?

Quran 55:22, 'From both of them emerge pearl and coral,' highlights the pearls and coral as divine bounties from the seas. Tafsir scholars explain this as a sign of Allah's power to create precious gems from water, reminding humanity of His innumerable favors.

Does coral come from both salt and fresh water according to the Quran?

The verse mentions pearls and coral emerging from 'both of them' (the two seas, fresh and salt). Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi explain this is a figure of speech where two things are mentioned, but the attribute may belong to one. While pearls can be found in both, coral is known to be from saltwater.

Coral in Islam: The Quranic Gem 'Marjan' as a Divine Bounty

Coral

مرجان

Coral (مرجان) is one of the precious Materials mentioned in the Quran.

Explore Verses Related to Coral

🕌Ar-Rahman55:22

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the term **Marjan (مرجان)**, mentioned in Surah Ar-Rahman, refers to a precious gem emerging from the sea, most commonly identified as **coral**. Classical exegetes such as Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir discuss its significance as a manifest sign of Allah's creative power and a divine bounty for humanity. While some early interpretations, including one from Ibn Abbas, suggested it could mean small pearls, the predominant view associates it with the vibrant, branching coral used for adornment. The Quran highlights it alongside pearls in verse 55:22 ('From both of them emerge pearl and coral') to emphasize the treasures of the sea. This mention serves as a powerful reminder in Surah Ar-Rahman's recurring refrain, 'Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?', urging reflection on the beauty and provision found in the natural world. Its subsequent mention in verse 55:58 as a descriptor for the companions of Paradise elevates its status to a symbol of divine purity and aesthetic perfection.

📖 Quranic Context

Highlighted as a significant bounty from Allah, emerging from the seas and as a descriptor for the beauty of the companions in Paradise.

Serves as a tangible sign (ayah) of Allah's creative power, His provision, and the beauty He creates for humanity in this life and the next.

References: Mentioned in Surah Ar-Rahman (55:22, 55:58).

💭 Theological Perspective

Represents a natural adornment and a source of beauty that humans are inclined to appreciate, pointing towards the Divine Artist.

The contemplation of coral and other sea gems can inspire awe and gratitude, fostering a deeper connection with the Creator.

Its mention in the Quran encourages reflection on the natural world as a source of divine signs and reminders of Allah's blessings.

Appreciation for such divine gifts is a form of 'shukr' (gratitude), a cornerstone of faith.

📜 Hadith Perspective

While specific hadiths on coral are not prominent, the broader prophetic teachings emphasize appreciating Allah's creation and the bounties of the sea.

Appreciation of natural beauty as a sign of Allah
Gratitude for divine provisions

Scholars universally agree that its mention in the Quran highlights it as a precious and valued creation of Allah.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Quran's pairing of 'pearl' (Lu'lu') and 'coral' (Marjan) is a subtle lesson in appreciating divine creativity at different scales. The pearl is a small, concentric gem formed *within* a creature, symbolizing hidden, internal beauty. Coral is a large, branching structure that forms an entire ecosystem, symbolizing external, communal beauty. Together, they represent the totality of Allah's artistry in the sea, from the individual to the collective.

— Derived from synthesis of classical descriptions

The dual mention of Marjan—first as a product of the meeting of two seas and second as a descriptor of Paradise's companions—symbolizes that the 'meeting' of two realms (the physical and spiritual, or dunya and akhirah) is what produces the ultimate 'gem' of a believer's reward. The barrier (Barzakh) between the seas (55:20) is like the barrier between life and death, and from this meeting of worlds, Allah brings forth rewards of unimaginable beauty.

— Thematic synthesis across Surah Ar-Rahman