Juz 14: Al-Ḥijr and An-Naḥl
Section 4 of 20 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
4. Signs in Creation: Heavens, Earth and Mountains
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala directs our attention to the magnificent signs in creation that testify to His power, wisdom, and mercy. These verses invite reflection on the cosmos and natural phenomena that surround us.
Beginning with the heavens, Allah says:
وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِي السَّمَاءِ بُرُوجًا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا لِلنَّاظِرِينَ
“We have created stellar formations in the sky and have beautified them for onlookers. (15:16)”
The burūj (stellar formations) refer to the magnificent celestial bodies that adorn the night sky. Allah describes them as beautified specifically for those who observe and reflect. The night sky, with its countless stars, planets, and galaxies, offers a breathtaking view that inspires wonder and contemplation. Due to modern light pollution, many people have lost the experience of gazing at a clear night sky filled with stars, yet when one has the opportunity to observe this spectacle in remote areas, the magnificence becomes apparent.
Allah then speaks of His protection of the heavens:
وَحَفِظْنَاهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ رَّجِيمٍ
“And We have protected it from every outcast devil. (15:17)”
This verse reveals that the celestial realm is guarded against satanic interference, maintaining the purity of this domain that Allah has created.
Allah then transitions to discussing the earth and how He has made it suitable for life:
وَالْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مَّوْزُونٍ
“And We have stretched the earth, and placed therein firm mountains, and caused to grow therein every kind of balanced thing. (15:19)”
The earth has been spread out as a habitable dwelling, with mountains functioning as stabilizing pegs – a scientific fact discovered only in modern times about how mountains stabilize the earth's crust and continents. The phrase "every kind of balanced thing" refers to the perfect proportions in which Allah has created plant life and all other elements on earth.
Allah reminds us that He has placed on earth all means of subsistence:
وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ وَمَن لَّسْتُمْ لَهُ بِرَازِقِينَ
“And We have created for you therein means of living, and for those (creatures) you are not the providers. (15:20)”
This verse assures humans that Allah has placed on earth all necessary resources for survival and prosperity. Anyone who makes a sincere effort can find their provision, as Allah has designed the earth with abundant resources. The verse also reminds humans of their limitations – they benefit from countless creatures without being their providers.