وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ 10
Translations
And the earth He laid [out] for the creatures.
Transliteration
Wa-al-arda wadaAAaha lil-anam
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah has placed the earth with all its resources and provisions for the benefit of all living creatures (al-anam). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this demonstrates Allah's mercy and generosity in making the earth a suitable habitation and sustenance for mankind and all animate beings. The ayah highlights divine providence in creating the earth with the capacity to sustain life.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rahman, a Meccan surah (though classified as Medinan by some scholars) that systematically enumerates Allah's blessings and favors upon creation. The surah's recurring refrain 'Fa-bi-ayi ala'i rabbikuma tukazziban' (So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?) frames this ayah within a broader meditation on divine benevolence toward all creatures.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The whole earth is a masjid (mosque) and its soil is purifying' (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith complements the ayah by emphasizing the earth's sacred purpose for humanity. Additionally, the hadith about treating animals kindly relates to the provision and stewardship of earth's creatures mentioned in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that the earth and its resources are divine gifts intended for all creatures, emphasizing our responsibility as stewards to use them justly and sustainably while recognizing that true ownership belongs to Allah alone. It encourages gratitude for the natural world and ethical treatment of all living beings entrusted to our care.