وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ 13
Translations
And [He has subjected] whatever He multiplied for you on the earth of varying colors. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who remember.
Transliteration
Wa mā dharā'a lakum fil-ardi mukhtalifan alwānuhu, inna fī dhālika la-āyatan liqawmin yadhdhakkarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the diverse colors and varieties of vegetation, crops, and natural things that Allah has created on earth for human benefit and sustenance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this diversity in colors, tastes, and forms serves as a clear sign (āyah) of Allah's power, wisdom, and generosity to those who reflect and remember. The verse invites believers to contemplate creation as evidence of the Creator's existence and oneness.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nahl's broader Meccan context, which focuses on signs of Allah's existence in nature and creation. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the period when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was establishing monotheism among the Quraysh. This particular verse fits within the surah's theme of enumerating Allah's blessings and natural signs that should lead to gratitude and remembrance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most excellent form of worship is the remembrance of Allah' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever ponders creation for an hour is better than one who worships for a year' (attributed saying), reflecting the Qur'anic emphasis on reflection upon creation as a form of worship.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate the habit of observing and reflecting upon the natural world as evidence of Allah's existence and artistry, transforming everyday observations of nature into moments of spiritual remembrance. This contemplative approach to creation strengthens faith and encourages gratitude for the diverse blessings Allah has provided.
Related Ayahs
وَٱلْخَيْلَ وَٱلْبِغَالَ وَٱلْحَمِيرَ لِتَرْكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةً ۚ وَيَخْلُقُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And [He created] the horses, mules and donkeys for you to ride and [as] adornment. And He creates that which you do not know.
وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةُ ۚ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allāh and avoid ṭāghūt." And among them were those whom Allāh guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed [i.e., travel] through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.
يَتَوَٰرَىٰ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ مِن سُوٓءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِهِۦٓ ۚ أَيُمْسِكُهُۥ عَلَىٰ هُونٍ أَمْ يَدُسُّهُۥ فِى ٱلتُّرَابِ ۗ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ
He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.
وَمَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ إِلَّا لِتُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ ۙ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
And We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muḥammad], except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe.