وَٱلْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا 7
Translations
And the mountains as stakes?
Transliteration
Wal-jibāla awtādan
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah describes the mountains as 'pegs' or 'stakes' (awtād), emphasizing their function in stabilizing and anchoring the earth. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain this as both a literal geological function—mountains act as anchors for the earth's crust—and a metaphorical reference to their role in maintaining the earth's stability and balance. This ayah is part of Surah An-Naba's discussion of divine creation, demonstrating Allah's wisdom in designing the earth's structure for human habitation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah An-Naba, which presents clear proofs of Allah's existence and power through creation. The surah addresses those who deny the Day of Judgment and resurrection by pointing to the marvels of creation—from day and night to mountains and rain—as evidence of divine design and the certainty of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The greatest ayah in the Qur'an is Ayat al-Kursi' (Sahih Muslim), though no hadith directly addresses this specific ayah. However, there are hadiths emphasizing how the mountains are among the signs of Allah's creation, reinforcing the theme of divine wisdom in creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflecting on the apparent simplicity of mountains teaches us to recognize Allah's profound wisdom embedded in creation itself; every element of nature serves a divine purpose. This ayah invites believers to contemplate the natural world as evidence of Allah's care and planning, strengthening faith through observable reality.