إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَّبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَـٰهُ سَمِيعًۢا بَصِيرًا 2
Translations
Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing.
Transliteration
Inna khalaqna al-insana min nutfatin amshajin nabltuhu faja'alnahu samee'an baseeran
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah created human beings from a mixture of fluids (nutfah amshaj) - referring to the commingling of male and female reproductive cells - and made this creation a test (ibtilaa) for mankind. Allah then granted humans the faculties of hearing and sight, which are essential instruments for receiving guidance, fulfilling responsibilities, and being held accountable. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that these noble faculties are divine blessings specifically given so humans can perceive divine signs and fulfill their covenant with Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Insan is a Medinan surah focusing on human nature, moral responsibility, and the contrasting destinies of the righteous and the wicked. This ayah opens the surah by establishing the fundamental truth about human creation and origin, setting the foundation for the subsequent discussion about human choice between righteousness and wickedness, and the consequences of each path.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most complete of believers in faith are those with the best moral character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), highlighting how the faculties of hearing and sight should be used righteously. Additionally, there is the hadith: 'Guard yourself against the unlawful and you will be the most pious of people' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), emphasizing accountability for how we use these divine gifts.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that our senses of hearing and sight are precious divine trusts, given to us not merely for worldly pursuits but as instruments of guidance and accountability before Allah; we should therefore be conscious of how we use these faculties and strive to direct them toward righteousness and the remembrance of our Creator.