وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَـٰهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍ 7
Translations
And the earth - We spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind,
Transliteration
Wa-al-arda madadnaha wa-alqayna fiha rawasi wa-anbatnà fihà min kulli zawjin bahij
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's creative act of spreading out the earth, establishing mountains as stabilizing forces, and causing diverse pairs of beautiful vegetation to grow upon it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as evidence of Allah's creative power and wisdom, with the mountains serving both geological and symbolic purposes—providing stability to the earth while representing permanence and strength in creation. The phrase 'zawj bahij' (beautiful pair/kind) emphasizes the aesthetic harmony and complementary diversity of plant life that demonstrates divine artistry.
Revelation Context
Surah Qaf is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of prophethood, focusing on themes of resurrection, divine power, and creation. This particular ayah appears within a broader passage (50:6-11) that establishes proofs of Allah's existence and power through observable natural phenomena, addressing the Meccan polytheists' denial of the afterlife by pointing them to the evident signs of creation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'For every seed that falls to the ground, Allah creates something from it.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi) - This hadith complements the ayah's theme of vegetation and divine sustenance. Additionally, the Prophet emphasized the virtue of planting and cultivation, linking it to ongoing reward (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflect upon the intricate balance and purposeful design in nature—from the stabilizing mountains to the diverse vegetation—as reminders of Allah's wisdom and power, encouraging us to recognize His presence in the observable world and to cultivate gratitude for the sustenance He provides.