وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ خَلْقُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَثَّ فِيهِمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ ۚ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ جَمْعِهِمْ إِذَا يَشَآءُ قَدِيرٌ 29
Translations
And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth and what He has dispersed throughout them of creatures. And He, for gathering them when He wills, is competent.
Transliteration
Wa min āyātih khalqu as-samāwāti wa-al-arḍi wa-mā batha fīhimā min dābbah; wa-huwa ʿalā jamʿihim idhā yashāʾu qadīr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents the creation of the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures dispersed within them as signs (āyāt) of Allah's power and wisdom. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that the intricate design and diversity of creation testify to Allah's oneness, while the final clause affirms His absolute power to gather all creatures on the Day of Resurrection whenever He wills, highlighting both His creative mastery and His control over the final reckoning.
Revelation Context
Surah Ash-Shuraa is a Meccan surah that addresses the polytheists of Mecca by presenting proofs of divine oneness. This ayah appears in a sequence listing the signs (āyāt) of Allah's existence and power, serving as evidence against idolatry and reinforcing monotheistic belief during the early period of Islamic revelation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most complete of the believers in faith are those who have the best character' (Tirmidhi), and in contemplating creation: 'Reflect upon the creation of Allah, but do not reflect upon the essence of Allah, for you will not be able to fathom it' (Al-Bayhaqi). These hadiths encourage believers to observe and appreciate creation as signs of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflecting upon the creation of the heavens, earth, and creatures should inspire awe of Allah's power and reinforce belief in His oneness and the reality of the afterlife. In an age of scientific advancement, this ayah invites believers to see scientific discovery not as contradicting faith, but as deepening appreciation for the Creator's wisdom.