مَّتَـٰعًا لَّكُمْ وَلِأَنْعَـٰمِكُمْ 32
Translations
[As] enjoyment [i.e., provision] for you and your grazing livestock.
Transliteration
Mattā'an lakum wa li-an'āmikum
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the provision and sustenance that Allah has created for both humans and livestock, emphasizing His bounty and mercy. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to the various benefits derived from vegetation and crops that serve as enjoyment and livelihood for people and their animals. The word 'mattā'un' (متاع) denotes temporary provision and benefit in this worldly life.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah 'Abasa, which addresses the signs of Allah's creation and provision. It comes within a passage describing Allah's creative power demonstrated through rain, vegetation, and sustenance—part of the surah's broader theme of reminding humanity of divine signs and the consequences of arrogance and heedlessness toward them.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is water,' emphasizing the importance of provisions like water and vegetation mentioned in this context. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah contains traditions about gratitude for Allah's provisions (rizq), which relates to acknowledging the sustenance described in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to recognize Allah's constant provision for both ourselves and the animals under our care, fostering gratitude and responsible stewardship. It reminds us that all sustenance is a divine gift meant for our temporary benefit, encouraging humility and acknowledgment of our dependence on the Creator.