وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ 13
Translations
And [He has subjected] whatever He multiplied for you on the earth of varying colors. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who remember.
Transliteration
Wa mā dharā'a lakum fil-ardi mukhtalifan alwānuhu, inna fī dhālika la-āyatan liqawmin yadhdhakkarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the diverse colors and varieties of vegetation, crops, and natural things that Allah has created on earth for human benefit and sustenance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this diversity in colors, tastes, and forms serves as a clear sign (āyah) of Allah's power, wisdom, and generosity to those who reflect and remember. The verse invites believers to contemplate creation as evidence of the Creator's existence and oneness.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nahl's broader Meccan context, which focuses on signs of Allah's existence in nature and creation. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the period when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was establishing monotheism among the Quraysh. This particular verse fits within the surah's theme of enumerating Allah's blessings and natural signs that should lead to gratitude and remembrance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most excellent form of worship is the remembrance of Allah' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever ponders creation for an hour is better than one who worships for a year' (attributed saying), reflecting the Qur'anic emphasis on reflection upon creation as a form of worship.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate the habit of observing and reflecting upon the natural world as evidence of Allah's existence and artistry, transforming everyday observations of nature into moments of spiritual remembrance. This contemplative approach to creation strengthens faith and encourages gratitude for the diverse blessings Allah has provided.
Related Ayahs
وَٱصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ ۚ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُ فِى ضَيْقٍ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ
And be patient, [O Muḥammad], and your patience is not but through Allāh. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire.
وَلَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَهُ ٱلدِّينُ وَاصِبًا ۚ أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ تَتَّقُونَ
And to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and to Him is [due] worship constantly. Then is it other than Allāh that you fear?
وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ شُرَكَآءَهُمْ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُرَكَآؤُنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كُنَّا نَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِكَ ۖ فَأَلْقَوْا۟ إِلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقَوْلَ إِنَّكُمْ لَكَـٰذِبُونَ
And when those who associated others with Allāh see their "partners," they will say, "Our Lord, these are our partners [to You] whom we used to invoke [in worship] besides You." But they will throw at them the statement, "Indeed, you are liars."
فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ
So when you recite the Qur’ān, [first] seek refuge in Allāh from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].