أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ كَيْفَ يُبْدِئُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ 19
Translations
Have they not considered how Allāh begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allāh, is easy.
Transliteration
Awalam yaraw kayfa yubdi'u Allahu al-khalqa thumma yu'iduhu? Inna dhalika 'ala Allahi yasir.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question to the disbelievers, asking them to observe how Allah originates creation and then restores it—a clear sign of His power and His ability to resurrect the dead. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that just as Allah creates from nothing initially and sustains creation throughout time, His ability to resurrect humanity on the Day of Judgment is equally effortless. Al-Qurtubi notes that the cyclical nature of creation (spring and autumn, life and death, day and night) serves as tangible evidence that resurrection is not difficult for Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-'Ankabut is a Meccan surah addressing early Muslims facing persecution and doubt about the Day of Judgment. This ayah appears within a section refuting the disbelievers' denial of resurrection, inviting them to contemplate the natural cycles and regeneration in creation as proof of Allah's omnipotence regarding the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The greatest ayah in the Quran is Ayat al-Kursi' (Sunan Ibn Majah), which similarly emphasizes Allah's complete knowledge and power over creation. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari records the Prophet's statement about resurrection: 'Just as He created you initially, so too will He resurrect you.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Modern readers should recognize the natural cycles around them—seasons, growth, decay—as daily reminders that Allah's power over creation is absolute and that resurrection is not a burden for Him. This ayah invites believers to move beyond doubt through rational observation of the natural world and to find reassurance in the signs of Allah's infinite capability.