أَفَرَءَيْتُم مَّا تَحْرُثُونَ 63
Translations
And have you seen that [seed] which you sow?
Transliteration
Afara'aytum maa tahruththoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question to humanity, asking them to reflect upon the crops they cultivate and sow in the earth. The verse challenges people to consider whether they truly understand and appreciate the agricultural process, serving as an introduction to the following ayahs that emphasize human dependence on Allah's provision and the miraculous nature of plant growth. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this as Allah drawing attention to a phenomenon so common that people take it for granted, yet it demonstrates divine power and wisdom in sustaining creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Waqi'ah (Chapter 56), a Meccan surah that emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Judgment and Allah's complete control over all creation. The broader context discusses how Allah controls provision, death, and resurrection, using the example of agriculture as evidence of divine omnipotence that should inspire reflection and gratitude.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, the theme connects to numerous ahadith on the virtue of farming. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'If the Hour (the time when the earth is devoured) is established and one of you is holding a sapling, let him plant it' (Musnad Ahmad). This reflects the Quranic theme of appreciating and engaging with Allah's creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites us to pause and reflect on the everyday miracles surrounding us, such as how seeds transform into nourishing crops, reminding us that our provision comes entirely from Allah's wisdom and power, not merely from our own efforts and knowledge.