وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱلدَّوَآبِّ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ كَذَٰلِكَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَـٰٓؤُا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ 28
Translations
And among people and moving creatures and grazing livestock are various colors similarly. Only those fear Allāh, from among His servants, who have knowledge. Indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Forgiving.
Transliteration
Wa mina an-nasi wa ad-dawwabi wa al-an'ami mukhtalifun alwanuhu, kazalika. Innama yakhsha Allah min 'ibadih al-'ulama'u. Inna Allah 'azizun ghafur.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents two interconnected themes: the diversity of creation (humans, animals, and livestock) in their colors and forms as evidence of Allah's power and wisdom, and the affirmation that true fear and reverence of Allah belongs exclusively to the scholars ('ulama') among His servants. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the diversity in creation demonstrates Allah's infinite wisdom, while the mention of scholars emphasizes that knowledge ('ilm) is the foundation of true God-consciousness, as understanding the signs of Allah naturally leads to greater fear and obedience.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Fatir, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes tawhid (monotheism) and reflection upon the signs of Allah in creation. The surah contextually addresses the polytheists' denial and presents logical arguments for Allah's oneness through the observation of natural phenomena. This particular ayah follows verses discussing creation and serves to connect observable diversity in nature with the intellectual and spiritual capacity needed to comprehend it.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The best among you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), which relates to the elevated status of scholars. Additionally, 'Whoever Allah intends good for, He grants him understanding of the religion' (Sahih Bukhari 71), connecting knowledge with divine favor and fear of Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
True reverence for Allah is not merely emotional but rooted in knowledge and intellectual understanding of His signs and wisdom in creation. The pursuit of Islamic knowledge is therefore not merely academic but a means of drawing closer to Allah and increasing in piety.