وَإِلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ كَيْفَ سُطِحَتْ 20
Translations
And at the earth - how it is spread out?
Transliteration
Wa-ilá al-ardi kayfa sutihat
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah directs the reader's attention to the earth and how it has been spread out and made flat for human habitation. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as an invitation to observe Allah's creation and recognize His power in preparing the earth as a suitable dwelling place for humanity. The word 'sutihat' (spread out) emphasizes how Allah has made the earth level and spacious, facilitating human settlement and sustenance.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Ghashiyah is a Meccan surah that emphasizes the signs of Allah's creation and the Day of Judgment. This ayah is part of a series of rhetorical questions (verses 17-20) directing attention to five cosmic and terrestrial wonders—the sky, mountains, earth, vegetation, and camels—all designed to awaken the listener's consciousness and lead them to reflection on Allah's majesty.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' emphasizing care for the earth and its provisions as a divine trust. Additionally, hadiths about tadabbur (contemplation) of creation support this ayah's purpose.
Themes
Key Lesson
By directing attention to the carefully prepared earth beneath our feet, this ayah invites us to cultivate mindful gratitude for Allah's provisions and recognize our stewardship responsibility toward the environment, encouraging us to reflect on creation as a pathway to deeper faith and awareness of the Divine.