وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَـٰهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مَّوْزُونٍ 19
Translations
And the earth - We have spread it and cast therein firmly set mountains and caused to grow therein [something] of every well-balanced thing.
Transliteration
Wal-arda madadnaha wa-alqayna fiha rawasi wa-anbatnā fiha min kulli shay'in mawzun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's creation of the earth, explaining that He stretched it out (expanded it), cast mountains upon it as stabilizers, and caused vegetation to grow upon it in balanced proportions. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as emphasizing Allah's perfect design and provision—the mountains provide stability to the earth's structure, while the measured growth of all plants demonstrates divine wisdom and careful measurement. The term 'mawzun' (weighed/measured) indicates that nothing in creation is arbitrary; everything exists in precise, purposeful quantities.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Hijr, a Meccan surah primarily focused on refuting polytheistic objections and affirming monotheism and the signs of Allah's oneness. The broader context (15:16-25) emphasizes Allah's creative power and dominion over all creation as evidence of His existence and uniqueness. This particular ayah serves as part of an extended discussion of creation designed to inspire awe and recognition of Allah's majesty among the Meccan audience.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Everything has a measure' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet described how Allah has determined and measured out all things, which aligns with the concept of 'mawzun' in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to reflect upon the intricate balance and design in nature as evidence of Allah's perfect wisdom and power, encouraging both scientific curiosity and spiritual gratitude. For modern readers, it emphasizes environmental stewardship—recognizing that the earth's resources are precisely measured and allocated, and therefore should be used responsibly without excess or waste.