وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَـٰٓئِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم ۚ مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ 38
Translations
And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.
Transliteration
Wa maa min dabbatin fil-ardi wa laa tairin yatiru bi-janahahyih illa umamun amthaalukum. Ma farattana fil-kitabi min shay'in. Thumma ila rabbihim yuhsharun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that all creatures on earth and birds that fly with wings are communities (umam) like human communities, each with their own forms of organization, communication, and sustenance ordained by Allah. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that just as humans have prophets and guidance, animals too are guided by Allah according to their nature and capacity. The phrase 'we have not neglected anything in the Book' affirms that the Quran contains all essential knowledge needed for guidance, and ultimately all creatures will be gathered before their Lord for accountability.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-An'am (a Meccan chapter), which comprehensively addresses divine oneness, creation, and resurrection. The ayah fits within the surah's broader theme of demonstrating Allah's complete knowledge and governance over all creation as evidence of His absolute power and unity. It responds implicitly to those who deny the resurrection by pointing to the natural order and divine wisdom evident in all creatures.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Every creature is a family (ummah) of creatures similar to you' (reported in various forms). Related: Sunan Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi contain hadiths about animal welfare and the Prophet's compassion toward creatures, reinforcing the concept of creatures having their own status in creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us humility by reminding us that we are not alone in creation and that all creatures have inherent worth and purpose in Allah's plan. It encourages ethical treatment of animals and reflection on the intricate order of creation as signs of Allah's perfect knowledge and power.