أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ كَمْ أَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍ كَرِيمٍ 7
Translations
Did they not look at the earth - how much We have produced therein from every noble kind?
Transliteration
Awa lam yaraw ila al-ard kayma anbatnā fīhā min kulli zawjin karīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah calls upon people to observe the earth and reflect upon the diverse and noble varieties of vegetation that Allah has caused to grow upon it as a sign of His creative power and divine wisdom. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'every noble pair' (kulli zawjin karīm) refers to the different species of plants, each with its own kind, color, taste, and beneficial properties, demonstrating Allah's perfect design and provision. This observation of creation serves as an intellectual proof for the existence of Allah and His attributes, inviting disbelievers to contemplate and recognize the truth of the message.
Revelation Context
Surah Ash-Shu'ara is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of the Prophet's mission when he faced intense opposition from the Quraysh. This ayah is part of a broader rhetorical strategy in the surah that presents signs of Allah's creation and power, challenging the disbelievers to use their reason and acknowledge the divine message. The surah frequently employs the formula 'Do they not see...' to invite reflection on observable natural phenomena.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He has also created its treatment' (Sahih Bukhari 5678), which relates to the beneficial properties of diverse plants. Additionally, the hadith 'In every date stone there is eighty cures' (Tirmidhi) reflects the thematic emphasis on the benefits contained within plant varieties.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah encourages believers to develop mindfulness of the natural world as a spiritual practice, recognizing that observing the diversity and perfection of creation is a direct path to strengthening faith and gratitude. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder to slow down, observe nature consciously, and appreciate the intricate design in everyday life as a means of drawing closer to Allah and refuting the claims of those who deny divine purpose in creation.