ثُمَّ شَقَقْنَا ٱلْأَرْضَ شَقًّا 26
Translations
Then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts],
Transliteration
Thumma shaqaqna al-arda shaqqa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's splitting of the earth to bring forth vegetation and sustenance for mankind and animals. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the 'splitting' (shaqq) refers to the process by which seeds break through the soil and plants emerge, demonstrating Allah's power over creation. This is part of a rhetorical sequence in Surah 'Abasa that presents signs of Allah's creative ability, meant to humble those who turn away from guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah 'Abasa, which opens with Allah's rebuke of the Prophet for frowning at a blind man (Ibn Mas'ud) seeking knowledge. The surah shifts to presenting cosmic and agricultural signs of Allah's power and mercy as a response to human ingratitude and negligence. This ayah is thematically part of this sequence emphasizing divine signs in nature.
Related Hadiths
The theme of earth's splitting for vegetation is reflected in various hadiths about creation and sustenance. See Sahih Bukhari 3191 regarding the Prophet's description of how Allah brings forth plants, and Sunan Ibn Majah on the signs of Allah in creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
Recognizing the extraordinary miracle in ordinary natural processes—such as seeds sprouting—should inspire awe of Allah's power and gratitude for His provision, counteracting our tendency to take divine blessings for granted in daily life.