رَّبُّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى يُزْجِى لَكُمُ ٱلْفُلْكَ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ لِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا 66
Translations
It is your Lord who drives the ship for you through the sea that you may seek of His bounty. Indeed, He is ever, to you, Merciful.
Transliteration
Rabbukumu alladhi yuzji lakumu al-fulka fi al-bahi litabtaghu min fadlihi, innahu kana bikum rahima
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah is the Lord who enables ships to sail through the sea so that people may seek His provision and bounty through trade and commerce. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this verse highlights Allah's mercy in providing the means for human sustenance and livelihood, demonstrating His care for His creation by facilitating maritime trade which was vital to Arabian commerce. The ayah connects divine provision (rizq) with Allah's attribute of mercy (rahma), teaching that every blessing enabling human effort comes from His compassion.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Isra is a Meccan surah that discusses signs of Allah's power and wisdom throughout creation and human experience. This particular ayah appears in a section (verses 60-84) enumerating various divine blessings and favors upon humanity, establishing that recognition of these blessings should lead to gratitude and obedience to Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a hadith related by Al-Tirmidhi: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family.' This relates thematically to Allah's mercy (rahma) extended to His servants. Additionally, in Sahih Bukhari, there are narrations about the Prophet's recognition of maritime trade and travel as legitimate means of seeking rizq (provision).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that seeking legitimate livelihood through honest work and commerce is not merely permissible but is an expression of relying upon Allah's mercy and bounty. It reminds us that every tool, ability, and opportunity we have to earn our sustenance is ultimately a gift from our merciful Lord, inviting gratitude and ethical conduct in all our endeavors.