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
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know.
يُنۢبِتُ لَكُم بِهِ ٱلزَّرْعَ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلنَّخِيلَ وَٱلْأَعْنَـٰبَ وَمِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and of all the fruits. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought.
قَدْ مَكَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنْيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّقْفُ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَأَتَىٰهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
Those before them had already plotted, but Allāh came at [i.e., uprooted] their building from the foundations, so the roof fell upon them from above them, and the punishment came to them from where they did not perceive.
وَإِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُوا۟ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُم بِهِۦ ۖ وَلَئِن صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لِّلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient.