وَذَلَّلْنَـٰهَا لَهُمْ فَمِنْهَا رَكُوبُهُمْ وَمِنْهَا يَأْكُلُونَ 72
Translations
And We have tamed them for them, so some of them they ride, and some of them they eat.
Transliteration
Wa dhallalnāhā lahum fa minhā rukūbuhum wa minhā ya'kulūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's subjugation of cattle and livestock for human benefit, stating that from these animals, humans derive both transportation (riding) and sustenance (food). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize this as evidence of Allah's mercy and provision, demonstrating how He has made creation subservient to humanity's needs. The verse illustrates the divine wisdom in creating animals with dual benefits—mobility and nourishment—reflecting Allah's perfect care for His servants.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Ya-Sin's broader theme of Allah's signs (ayat) evident in creation and the natural world. The surah, revealed in Mecca, uses observable phenomena to call people to reflection on divine oneness and the afterlife. This particular verse is part of a passage (36:71-73) emphasizing Allah's creative power through the subjugation of animals, contrasting human dependence on divine provision with the disbelievers' ingratitude.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized treating animals well, as recorded in Sahih Bukhari where he condemned cruelty to animals, reinforcing the responsibility that accompanies their subjugation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that the animals we depend upon are divinely provided gifts, demanding both gratitude to Allah and ethical stewardship toward these creatures. Our enjoyment of animals' benefits carries the spiritual obligation to treat them with kindness and respect, recognizing them as signs pointing to Allah's infinite wisdom and mercy.