وَٱلطَّيْرَ مَحْشُورَةً ۖ كُلٌّ لَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ 19
Translations
And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].
Transliteration
Wa-al-tayr mahshoorah, kullun lahoo awwab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the birds that were made subservient to Prophet Dawood (David), gathered and marshaled for him in obedience. The word 'awwab' means 'one who returns' or 'obedient,' indicating that each bird obeys Dawood's command and returns to him. Ibn Kathir explains this as a miracle demonstrating Dawood's unique station with Allah, where even the creation acknowledges his authority through divine grant.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader narrative in Surah Sad (verses 17-26) describing the miracles and blessings Allah granted to Prophet Dawood, including his dominion over the wind, the melting of brass, and control over the birds and animals. This context establishes the exceptional powers granted to the prophets as signs of Allah's favor.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about the wind being subservient to Sulayman as it was to Dawood. Additionally, Tirmidhi reports a hadith about the birds glorifying Allah, which relates thematically to the subjugation of birds mentioned here.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true authority and influence come from Allah's grant, and that all creation naturally submits to those whom Allah elevates. For believers, it reminds us that submission to Allah's guidance is natural and innate in all of creation, inviting us to willingly align ourselves with divine commands as the birds aligned with Dawood's command.