Tafseer-Al-Quran for NCC أَلَمۡ نَجۡعَلِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِهَـٰدً۬ا (٦)

Tafseer-Al-Quran for NCC

أَلَمۡ نَجۡعَلِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِهَـٰدً۬ا (٦)

By Ayyub Mohamed Ismail

This is ayah number six in Surah Naba, Chapter 78. Its literal meaning is ‘Have we not made the earth a bed for you?’

The word ‘mihaada’ (bed) comes from the word ‘mahd’, which means ‘cradle’, or ‘place that a child is comfortable’. So the ultimate translation is: ‘Have we not made the earth a place where you may be comfortable?’                                                                                              

This ayah is a wakeup call for all humans. Allah is telling us that he has made the Earth perfect for us in every way; not too hard, so we can’t cultivate or walk on it, and not so bumpy, like mountain terrain everywhere. The Earth has truly been made perfect for us.

Scientific studies show that if the Earth was placed a tiny bit away from the sun, it would freeze up, and if it was placed a tiny bit forward, the Earth would be too hot for any form of life to live on. Subhan Allah!

 ‘Mahd’ is also mentioned in Surah Taha, verse 53: ‘It is He who has made the Earth a cradle for you.                                                                                                    

The interpretation of these two ayahs are very similar. Muffassiroon agree that these verses are a way of comparing Allah’s capability to ours. A human being is more than capable of making a cradle or bed, maybe even a house. But Allah is saying, ‘You make a house, I make the House of houses, the entire Earth!’

The best way to explain a Qur’anic verse is by consulting another Qur’anic verse. In Surah qaf, verse 7-8, Allah says:

‘And the Earth, We spread it out, and cast therein firmly set mountains and We have made to grow therein of all beautiful kinds; to give sight and as a reminder to every servant who turns to Allah.’

Subhanallah! This is a beautiful way of reminding ourselves of all the bounties that Allah has given us.

This verse also breaks many Atheist arguments and is proof of God. If Apple makes a new model of iPhone (like the new iPhone X) then they will advertise all its amazing new features. In the same way, Allah is advertising His creation, the entire Earth!

Just think, what are we to Allah? Nothing... less than nothing! Allah created not just our planet, but all the other ones in our solar system, the Sun, and other planets and stars the humans haven’t even discovered yet! Allah created the entire UNIVERSE! He explains all of his power in just one little verse; we may think it’s easy to write a Qur’anic verse but it’s not! Many have tried, and many have failed!

So, one important lesson we should take away from this ayah, is to always be thankful to Allah and what He’s given us. We are alive an have our life because of Allah, and we will all die because that is what Allah has decreed. Thank him always, for our parents, for our food, for our earth. And always remember that Allah knows best; no matter what some shuyookh and scholars say, Allah knows best.

Gold First

at NCC 2018

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