وَٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْأَزْوَٰجَ كُلَّهَا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْفُلْكِ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ مَا تَرْكَبُونَ 12
Translations
And who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount
Transliteration
Wa-alladhī khalaqa al-azwāja kullahā wa-jaʿala lakum min al-fulki wa-al-anʿāmi mā tarkabūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes Allah's creative power in producing all pairs/species and His provision of means of transportation for mankind through ships and livestock. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'al-azwāj' (pairs) as referring to all created beings—both animate and inanimate—which are created in complementary pairs, reflecting the divine wisdom in creation. The mention of ships (fulk) and cattle (anʿām) as modes of transport illustrates Allah's practical mercy in facilitating human movement and commerce, demonstrating His concern for human welfare.
Revelation Context
Surah Az-Zukhruf is a Meccan surah that addresses polytheistic arguments and establishes tawhid (monotheism). This ayah occurs within a section cataloging Allah's blessings and signs of His oneness, countering the Meccan polytheists' attribution of these blessings to idols. The thematic context emphasizes that only Allah deserves worship for His creation and provision.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Everything has a pair, and my people is the pair of Adam.' (Related to the concept of pairs/azwāj) — Jami' at-Tirmidhi. Also relevant: 'The best of wealth is a horse and a woman' (Sahih Bukhari), referencing livestock as blessing.
Themes
Key Lesson
Recognizing the diverse blessings Allah provides—from creation itself to practical means of sustenance and mobility—should deepen our gratitude and strengthen our conviction that all good comes from Him alone. This awareness should motivate us to use these provisions responsibly and acknowledge their source in worship.