وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَـٰلًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ أَكْنَـٰنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَٰبِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ ٱلْحَرَّ وَسَرَٰبِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُسْلِمُونَ 81
Translations
And Allāh has made for you, from that which He has created, shadows [i.e., shade] and has made for you from the mountains, shelters and has made for you garments which protect you from the heat and garments [i.e., coats of mail] which protect you from your [enemy in] battle. Thus does He complete His favor upon you that you might submit [to Him].
Transliteration
Wa-Allahu ja'ala lakum mimma khalaqa zilalan wa ja'ala lakum mina-l-jibali aknanaa wa ja'ala lakum sarabila taqueekum al-harra wa sarabila taqueekum ba'sahkum. Kadhaalika yutimmu ni'matahu alaikum la'allakum tuslimoon.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah has provided multiple blessings for human protection and survival: shade from creation, caves and refuges in mountains, garments to protect from heat, and armor to protect from warfare. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that these varied provisions demonstrate Allah's meticulous care for human needs in different circumstances. This accumulation of divine blessings is meant to incline believers toward submission to Allah and gratitude for His completed favors.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah An-Nahl's broader theme of enumerated divine blessings (ni'am) and is part of a Meccan surah addressing the polytheists of Arabia. The context emphasizes how Allah's provisions for basic human welfare—shelter, clothing, and protection—should logically lead to monotheistic belief and gratitude, making rejection of tawhid illogical.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), relating to the protective care theme. Also relevant: 'Every one of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges' (Sahih Bukhari 893), emphasizing the protective responsibility mirrored in Allah's protective blessings.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize the multifaceted ways Allah has equipped us for survival and dignity, transforming ordinary provisions into reminders of divine care. By reflecting on these tangible blessings in daily life—clothing, shelter, safety—one develops a deeper consciousness of dependence on Allah and gratitude that naturally leads to sincere submission.