أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَى ٱلطَّيْرِ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍ فِى جَوِّ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ 79
Translations
Do they not see the birds controlled in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them up except Allāh. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.
Transliteration
Alam yaraw ila at-tairi musakhkharatin fi jawwi as-sama'i ma yumsikuhunna illa Allah. Inna fi dhalika la-ayatin liqawmin yu'minun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah invites reflection on the birds suspended in the sky as a sign of Allah's power and divine care, emphasizing that only Allah sustains them in flight. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as evidence of Allah's omnipotence and provision, highlighting how the birds' ability to soar without visible means of support demonstrates divine sustenance ('rizq'). The ayah serves as a call to the believers to observe creation and recognize Allah's mastery over all things, moving from physical observation to spiritual conviction.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nahl is a Meccan surah that emphasizes Allah's signs (ayat) in creation and humanity's relationship with the Divine. This particular ayah is part of a broader section (16:65-79) dedicated to examining various signs in nature—rain, plants, livestock, and birds—to encourage the Meccan disbelievers toward faith and gratitude.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever among you wakes up secure in his family, healthy in his body, and has his daily food, it is as if the whole world has been given to him' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet mentioned that Allah cares for birds: 'Birds go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return with full bellies' (Sunan Ibn Majah), illustrating divine provision.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to pause and observe the natural world around them as evidence of Allah's care and wisdom, recognizing that just as Allah sustains the birds in flight without visible support, He similarly provides for those who place their trust in Him. It encourages mindfulness and gratitude, reminding us that reflection on creation is a fundamental means of strengthening faith and drawing closer to the Divine.