وَخَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّن مِّثْلِهِۦ مَا يَرْكَبُونَ 42
Translations
And We created for them from the likes of it that which they ride.
Transliteration
Wa khalaqna lahum min mithlihi ma yarkabun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah created for humanity means of transportation similar to themselves, referring to animals like camels, horses, and donkeys that they ride upon. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as evidence of Allah's mercy and provision for human needs, enabling people to travel, trade, and fulfill their worldly obligations. This ayah emphasizes divine wisdom in creating creatures suited to serve humanity's practical requirements.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Ya-Sin within a passage discussing Allah's signs and favors to humanity. The broader context (verses 36:40-48) enumerates divine blessings including the creation of livestock and means of conveyance, serving as evidence of Allah's power and care for His creation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their animals' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1959), emphasizing the duty of care toward the creatures Allah has provided for human use.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers to recognize Allah's countless blessings in even ordinary aspects of life, such as animals for transportation, fostering gratitude and humility. It also establishes a moral responsibility toward these creatures—we must treat them with kindness and respect as a duty to the One who created them for our benefit.