أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلْفُلْكَ تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِۦ وَيُمْسِكُ ٱلسَّمَآءَ أَن تَقَعَ عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦٓ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ 65
Translations
Do you not see that Allāh has subjected to you whatever is on the earth and the ships which run through the sea by His command? And He restrains the sky from falling upon the earth, unless by His permission. Indeed Allāh, to the people, is Kind and Merciful.
Transliteration
Alam tara anna Allaha sakhkhara lakum ma fi al-ardi wa-al-fulka tajri fi al-bahi bi-amrihi wa-yumsiku al-samaa an taqa ala al-ardi illa bi-idhnihi. Inna Allaha bi-al-nasi larauufun rahimun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah highlights Allah's comprehensive dominion and merciful provision, demonstrating that He has subjected all earthly resources for humanity's benefit, made ships sail by His command, and sustains the heavens from falling upon the earth—all manifestations of His meticulous control. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize this as evidence of Allah's perfect wisdom and power, while Al-Qurtubi notes that the prevention of the heavens' fall demonstrates a cosmic order maintained solely by divine will. The concluding phrase underscores that despite His absolute power, Allah remains gentle and merciful toward His servants.
Revelation Context
Revealed during the Medinan period, this ayah is part of Surah Al-Hajj's broader discussion of divine signs and the obligation of Hajj. It appears in a section emphasizing Allah's blessings and the proofs of His oneness (tawhid), reminding the Muslim community of their dependence on divine mercy and the futility of shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is water' (Tirmidhi), relating to the blessing of earthly resources mentioned in this ayah. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet emphasized gratitude for divine blessings: 'Whoever among you wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, with food for the day, it is as if the whole world has been given to him.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Recognizing Allah's constant provision and sustenance should inspire profound gratitude and trust in His mercy, while understanding that our access to earth's resources is a divine gift demanding responsible stewardship rather than exploitation. This awareness cultivates humility and encourages believers to acknowledge their complete dependence on Allah's will in all affairs.