مَا خَلَقْنَـٰهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ 39
Translations
We did not create them except in truth, but most of them do not know.
Transliteration
Mā khalaqnāhumā illā bil-ḥaqqi wa-lākin akthara-hum lā yaʿlamūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth and purpose, not in vain or without wisdom. However, most people do not recognize or understand this divine wisdom and purpose behind creation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah refutes the notion that creation is meaningless or accidental, affirming that every aspect of creation serves divine purposes that reflect Allah's justice and knowledge.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ad-Dukhan, a Meccan surah that addresses the skepticism of the Quraysh who rejected the message of resurrection and accountability. The broader context of verses 38-39 emphasizes that the creation of the heavens and earth with truth (bil-ḥaqq) demonstrates Allah's power and wisdom, contrasting with the disbelievers' heedlessness regarding the signs of creation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Verily, Allah created the creation, and when He finished from it, the womb (kinship) got up and said: "O Allah! This is the position of one who seeks refuge with You from cutting off of the ties of kinship." He said: "Yes, are you not satisfied that I will uphold the ties of those who uphold you, and sever the ties of those who sever you?"' (Sahih Bukhari 5987). This hadith reinforces the theme of purposeful creation with divine wisdom.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that the creation of the universe reflects divine wisdom and justice, and this awareness should inspire gratitude and obedience. Understanding that all creation has purpose should motivate us to reflect on Allah's signs and align our lives with His truth rather than living aimlessly.