وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مَنَـٰفِعُ وَمَشَارِبُ ۖ أَفَلَا يَشْكُرُونَ 73
Translations
And for them therein are [other] benefits and drinks, so will they not be grateful?
Transliteration
Wa lahum fīhā manāfi' wa masharīb. Afalā yashhkurūn?
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the benefits and drinks (sustenance) that livestock provide to humanity, emphasizing how Allah has subjugated these animals for human use and benefit. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as encompassing milk, meat, hides, and other provisions, while 'drinks' (masharīb) specifically refers to milk and water that livestock provide. The ayah concludes with a rhetorical question calling people to gratitude (shukr) for these divine blessings, which is a recurring theme in Surah Ya-Sin's discussion of Allah's signs and provisions.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a broader Meccan passage (36:71-73) discussing Allah's creation of livestock as a mercy and provision for humanity. It occurs within the surah's thematic context of presenting evidence of divine creation and human obligation to recognize Allah's favors, serving as a call to tawhīd (monotheism) and gratitude against the backdrop of Meccan disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever is merciful, even to the creatures on earth, Allah will be merciful to him on the Day of Judgment' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1955). Additionally, the hadith emphasizing gratitude: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' relates to proper stewardship and gratitude for provisions.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize the countless blessings provided through livestock and other creations as direct signs of Allah's care and provision, cultivating a heart of gratitude that acknowledges the Creator rather than taking these gifts for granted. This recognition should translate into responsible stewardship of these animals and conscious thanksgiving in daily life.