هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَسَوَّىٰهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍ ۚ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ 29
Translations
It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.
Transliteration
Huwa alladhee khalaqa lakum maa fee al-ardi jameeaan thumma istawaa ila as-samaa fasawwaahunna saba samawatin wa huwa bikuli shay'in aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes Allah's complete dominion and creative power, stating that He created everything on earth for humanity's benefit, then turned His attention to the heavens and perfected them as seven heavens. Ibn Kathir explains that 'istawa' (turned toward) demonstrates Allah's will and purpose in creation, while His knowledge encompasses all things, indicating that this vast creation is not random but purposeful and deliberate. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that the creation of the seven heavens demonstrates the hierarchy and order of the cosmos, all designed with ultimate wisdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears early in Surah Al-Baqarah (the second chapter, revealed in Madinah) as part of the opening section describing Allah's attributes and power. It follows verses about the Quran's guidance and precedes descriptions of creation, establishing the foundation for understanding Allah's sovereignty and mercy toward humanity within the thematic context of the surah's emphasis on divine signs and human responsibility.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The heavens and the earth were created in six days, and Allah sat on His throne on the seventh day' (Sahih Bukhari 3191). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized contemplating creation as a means of knowing Allah: 'Reflect upon creation, but do not reflect upon the Divine Essence' (Sunan Ibn Majah 3923).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that the entire creation, including all earthly resources, has been purposefully provided for human benefit and use, which entails both gratitude and responsible stewardship. Contemplating the vastness and perfection of creation should deepen our awareness of Allah's infinite wisdom and encourage us to recognize His signs in the natural world while acknowledging our dependence upon His knowledge and guidance.