وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ رَوَٰسِىَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِهِمْ وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا فِجَاجًا سُبُلًا لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ 31
Translations
And We placed within the earth firmly set mountains, lest it should shift with them, and We made therein [mountain] passes [as] roads that they might be guided.
Transliteration
Wa ja'alna fil-ardi rawasiya an tamida bihim wa ja'alna fiha fijajan subulan la'allahum yahtadun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah has placed mountains on the earth to stabilize it and prevent it from shaking, and He has created pathways and valleys through the land so that people may find their way and navigate safely. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that the mountains serve both a physical function (geological stability) and a symbolic one, while the valleys and passages represent divine provision for human guidance and movement. This ayah demonstrates Allah's precise creation and care in designing the earth to sustain human life and facilitate human travel.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Anbya (revealed in Mecca), which focuses on the stories of the prophets and proofs of Allah's oneness and power. The context emphasizes creation as evidence of the Creator's wisdom—within this surah, Allah presents multiple signs of His majesty. This particular ayah connects to the theme of divine creation perfected for human benefit, appearing among other reminders of Allah's signs in creation.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly comments on this specific verse, the concept relates to Sahih Muslim's hadith on respecting the earth and its resources. Additionally, Ibn Mas'ud's statement in Tafsir Ibn Kathir regarding mountains as stabilizers of the earth reflects understanding of this ayah's meaning in early Islamic scholarship.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to recognize Allah's meticulous care in designing creation for human welfare—the mountains that stabilize our earth and the paths that guide our journey are reminders that Allah has provided for our needs both physically and spiritually. In modern life, this encourages gratitude for the natural world and reflection on how Allah has facilitated our existence and guidance.