وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَـٰيِشَ وَمَن لَّسْتُمْ لَهُۥ بِرَٰزِقِينَ 20
Translations
And We have made for you therein means of living and [for] those for whom you are not providers.
Transliteration
Wa ja'alna lakum fīhā ma'āyisha wa man lastum lahū bi-rāziqīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah has created on earth the means of livelihood and sustenance for humanity, and has also provided for creatures whom humans do not provision—such as wild animals, birds, and insects. This demonstrates Allah's complete provision and care for all creation, emphasizing His role as the sole Provider (Ar-Razzaq). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this ayah illustrates the divine wisdom in establishing ecosystems where each creature finds sustenance through Allah's appointed means, not through human effort.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Al-Hijr's broader discourse on creation and divine provision (verses 19-24). The surah, revealed in Mecca during the early period, addresses the Meccan polytheists' denial of resurrection and divine providence. The passage contextualizes humanity's role in creation—not as independent providers, but as one part of Allah's comprehensively sustained universe.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever relies upon Allah, He suffices him' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2347). Additionally, 'There is no creature on earth but that Allah provides for it' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2344), which directly parallels this ayah's theme of universal divine provision.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true reliance (tawakkul) comes from recognizing that all sustenance originates from Allah alone, not from our own efforts or resources. It encourages humility and trust in Allah's perfect system, freeing believers from anxious preoccupation with provision and redirecting focus toward obedience and righteous action.