أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِهَـٰدًا 6
Translations
Have We not made the earth a resting place?
Transliteration
Alam naj'al al-arda mihaadan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah asks rhetorically: 'Have We not made the earth a bed (spread out smoothly)?', emphasizing Allah's creation of the earth as a comfortable, stable, and habitable place for mankind. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'mihaad' (bed/cradle) refers to the earth being spread out and made level, secure, and suitable for human life—a sign of divine wisdom and mercy. This ayah is part of Surah An-Naba's opening series of rhetorical questions highlighting the tangible blessings and signs of Allah's power evident in creation.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naba is a Meccan surah revealed to remind the polytheists of Mecca of Allah's signs and to refute their denial of the Day of Judgment. This particular ayah opens the surah's section on creation's wonders, establishing foundational arguments for tawhid (monotheism) and the reality of the Hereafter through observable natural phenomena.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The whole earth is a mosque' (Sunan Ibn Majah), relating to the earth's sanctity and purpose. Additionally, Hadith Qudsi states that Allah said, 'I have made the earth for you,' affirming the divine provision and accommodation of earth for humanity.
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflecting on the earth's stability and habitability should inspire gratitude for Allah's provision and recognition of His power, moving us away from heedlessness toward conscious awareness of divine blessings in our daily lives.