إِن يَشَأْ يُسْكِنِ ٱلرِّيحَ فَيَظْلَلْنَ رَوَاكِدَ عَلَىٰ ظَهْرِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ 33
Translations
If He willed, He could still the wind, and they would remain motionless on its surface. Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.
Transliteration
In yasha ya'uskini ar-rih fa-yaẓlalna rawakida 'ala ẓahrihi. Inna fi dhälika la-äyätin li-kulli sabbärin shakür.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's power over the winds and seas—if He wills, He can calm the winds so that ships remain still upon the water's surface. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this demonstrates Allah's absolute dominion over creation and His ability to grant safety or hardship to those who travel by sea. The ayah concludes by noting that such signs are only fully appreciated by those who are patient (sabbar) and grateful (shakur), linking divine power to human spiritual qualities.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Ash-Shuraa, a Meccan surah that emphasizes monotheism and Allah's attributes. The broader context (42:32-34) discusses maritime miracles and the creation of ships, serving as signs for believers who reflect upon Allah's creative power. This passage invites reflection on divine signs manifest in natural phenomena.
Related Hadiths
The concept of recognizing divine signs in nature is reinforced in hadith literature. A related theme appears in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged contemplation of creation as a path to understanding Allah's greatness. Additionally, hadiths on patience and gratitude (as mentioned in the ayah) appear throughout Sunan At-Tirmidhi and other collections.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true perception of Allah's signs requires both patience in hardship and gratitude in ease—qualities that deepen spiritual awareness. Modern believers should recognize divine protection and power in daily life, responding with steadfast faith rather than fear or complacency.