كُلُوا۟ وَٱرْعَوْا۟ أَنْعَـٰمَكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلنُّهَىٰ 54
Translations
Eat [therefrom] and pasture your livestock. Indeed in that are signs for those of intelligence.
Transliteration
Kulū wa-r'aw anʿāmakum. Inna fī dhālika la-āyātun li-ulī an-nuhā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers to eat from the vegetation and pasture their livestock, emphasizing that in this provision and the natural cycles of creation lie clear signs for those of understanding and intellect (ulu al-nuha). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as an invitation to reflect upon Allah's wisdom in creating sustenance for both humans and animals, and to recognize the divine signs embedded in the natural order of creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ta-Ha (Meccan) within a passage describing Allah's creation and provision for mankind. It follows the account of how Allah made the earth a place of habitation and spread forth its herbs and pastures. The context emphasizes reflecting upon creation as a means to recognize Allah's oneness and power.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'In every mouthful of food, if a servant of Allah mentions the name of Allah, the angels seek forgiveness for him until he finishes eating' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized gratitude for sustenance: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi), highlighting compassionate treatment of livestock.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to view our daily sustenance not as mere material provision but as signs pointing to Allah's wisdom and care. For modern readers, it encourages mindfulness during meals and reflection upon creation as a spiritual practice, transforming ordinary acts of eating and animal husbandry into opportunities for recognizing divine signs.