هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَٱمْشُوا۟ فِى مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِهِۦ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ 15
Translations
It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.
Transliteration
Huwa alladhee jaʿala lakumu al-arda dhallūlan fa-imshu fee manākibihā wa-kulū min rizqihi wa-ilayhi al-nushūr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes Allah's sovereignty by highlighting His creation of the earth as a subservient means for human benefit and livelihood. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari explain that 'dhallūlan' (made submissive/tractable) refers to the earth being made easy for human traversal and utilization. Ibn Kathir notes the verse encourages believers to actively seek sustenance through lawful means while recognizing that ultimate return is to Allah alone, establishing the balance between human effort and divine providence.
Revelation Context
This verse appears in Surah Al-Mulk, a Meccan surah revealed during the early Islamic period, which emphasizes Allah's absolute dominion and control over creation. The broader context of the surah focuses on the signs of Allah's power and the fate of believers versus disbelievers, encouraging believers to reflect on creation and their responsibilities toward utilizing Allah's blessings wisely.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895), relating to the provision and care aspect. Additionally, the hadith 'The best provision is that which is earned through lawful means' (attributed in various forms) connects to the concept of seeking rizq (sustenance).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers are reminded that the earth and its resources are divine gifts meant to be utilized through active effort and righteous work, while maintaining awareness that all sustenance ultimately comes from Allah and accountability awaits on the Day of Resurrection. This encourages a balanced approach to life: striving diligently in worldly affairs while keeping one's heart and actions aligned with divine consciousness.