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
۞ يَوْمَ تَأْتِى كُلُّ نَفْسٍ تُجَـٰدِلُ عَن نَّفْسِهَا وَتُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
On the Day when every soul will come disputing [i.e., pleading] for itself, and every soul will be fully compensated for what it did, and they will not be wronged [i.e., treated unjustly].
وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا ثُمَّ لَا يُؤْذَنُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَلَا هُمْ يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ
And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect from every nation a witness [i.e., their prophet]. Then it will not be permitted to the disbelievers [to apologize or make excuses], nor will they be asked to appease [Allāh].
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ طَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَسَمْعِهِمْ وَأَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْغَـٰفِلُونَ
Those are the ones over whose hearts and hearing and vision Allāh has sealed, and it is those who are the heedless.
وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ رِزْقًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ
And they worship besides Allāh that which does not possess for them [the power of] provision from the heavens and the earth at all, and [in fact], they are unable.