وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَـٰعِبِينَ 38
Translations
And We did not create the heavens and earth and that between them in play.
Transliteration
Wa mā khalaqnā as-samāwāti wa-al-arda wa mā baynahumā lā'ibīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah created the heavens, the earth, and everything between them with purpose and wisdom, not in jest or play. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that this refutation of creation being frivolous establishes the divine purpose behind all creation and emphasizes the accountability of mankind, particularly in the context of the resurrection and the Day of Judgment discussed throughout Surah Ad-Dukhan.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ad-Dukhan, a Meccan surah that addresses the disbelievers' rejection of the Quran and resurrection. The ayah serves to counter the skepticism of the Quraysh regarding the seriousness of divine revelation and the reality of the afterlife, emphasizing that creation itself is evidence of Allah's intentional design and justice.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most despicable of Allah's creation in the sight of Allah is the one who plays with the deen (religion)' - related to the theme of serious purpose. Also related: 'Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people of understanding' (Quran 3:190), which complements this ayah's emphasis on purposeful creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that nothing in existence is created without purpose—every atom and event carries divine wisdom and points toward accountability. For modern readers, this encourages reflection on life's deeper meaning beyond worldly pursuits, fostering responsibility in our actions and recognition of divine design in all creation.