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
يُنَزِّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةَ بِٱلرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِۦ عَلَىٰ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦٓ أَنْ أَنذِرُوٓا۟ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱتَّقُونِ
He sends down the angels, with the inspiration [i.e., revelation] of His command, upon whom He wills of His servants, [telling them], "Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me."
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allāh. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit] - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
فَٱدْخُلُوٓا۟ أَبْوَٰبَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا ۖ فَلَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ
So enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and how wretched is the residence of the arrogant.
وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ قَصْدُ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمِنْهَا جَآئِرٌ ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
And upon Allāh is the direction of the [right] way, and among them [i.e., the various paths] are those deviating. And if He willed, He could have guided you all.