أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا خَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّمَّا عَمِلَتْ أَيْدِينَآ أَنْعَـٰمًا فَهُمْ لَهَا مَـٰلِكُونَ 71
Translations
Do they not see that We have created for them from what Our hands have made, grazing livestock, and [then] they are their owners?
Transliteration
Aw lam yaraw anna khalaqna lahum mimma 'amilat aydina an'aman fahum laha maliкun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah asks the disbelievers rhetorically whether they have not seen that Allah created livestock for them from what His hands have wrought, and they are the masters and owners of these animals. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as evidence of Allah's creative power and generosity toward humanity, emphasizing that these creatures were subjugated for human benefit—a sign of divine favor that should inspire gratitude and recognition of Allah's lordship rather than denial.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Ya-Sin, which focuses on refuting polytheism and reminding people of Allah's signs in creation. The broader context (verses 71-73) addresses the stubbornness of those who reject the message despite clear evidences of divine creation and provision, challenging the Meccan disbelievers to recognize Allah's power through observable blessings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Quran emphasizes in Hadith Qudsi that livestock are among the trusts (amanat) given to humanity, requiring responsible stewardship.
Themes
Key Lesson
Recognizing Allah's gifts in creation—such as livestock that serve our needs—should cultivate gratitude, humility, and acknowledgment of our dependence on the Divine. This awareness naturally leads to rejecting polytheism and embracing the worship of the One True God who alone deserves gratitude for all blessings.