Surah Hud 11:6
سُورَةُ هُودٍ · Meccan · Verse 6 of 123
۞ وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا ۚ كُلٌّۭ فِى كِتَٰبٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ
Translation
There is not a creature that moves on earth whose provision is not His concern. He knows where it lives and its [final] resting place: it is all [there] in a clear record.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse from Surah Hud opens with a profound declaration about Allah's universal care and knowledge for all creation. Let's reflect on its precise wording to uncover deeper meanings.
The Universal Provider
The verse begins with the powerful phrase, `وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ فِي ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا` ("And there is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah"). The word `دَآبَّةٍۢ` (dabbah) linguistically refers to any living creature that "walks" or "moves" on the earth. Scholars like al-Razi explain that while in some contexts it might refer to specific animals like horses, here it encompasses all living beings, emphasizing the sheer breadth of Allah's provision. The addition of `فِي ٱلْأَرْضِ` (fil-ardh, "on earth"), as Ibn Ashur points out, further stresses this universality, leaving no creature excluded.
The structure `وَمَا مِن... إِلَّا` (wa ma min... illa) is a strong grammatical construction of negation followed by an exception, creating an absolute and exclusive statement: there is *nothing* of this kind, *except* what follows. This makes it crystal clear that every single creature's provision, `رِزْقُهَا` (rizquha, its sustenance), is guaranteed by Allah alone.
The preposition `عَلَى ٱللَّهِ` (ala Allah, "upon Allah") is particularly significant. It implies a firm guarantee or commitment from Allah. As al-Zamakhshari, al-Razi, and Ibn Ashur clarify, this is not an obligation imposed *on* Allah by anyone else, but rather an immense favor and a promise Allah has taken upon Himself, consistent with His perfect attributes of generosity and sustenance. It means Allah has taken responsibility for providing for all creatures, never neglecting them. Ibn Ashur notes that presenting Allah's provision for creatures that cannot earn for themselves (like most animals) serves as a powerful testament to His comprehensive knowledge and care.
Comprehensive Knowledge
The verse continues, `وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا` ("and He knows its place of settlement and its place of deposit"). This highlights Allah's all-encompassing knowledge. `مُسْتَقَرَّهَا` (mustaqarriha) refers to where a creature settles, lives, and dwells in its life. `مُسْتَوْدَعَهَا` (mustawda'aha) refers to its place of deposit or where it originates from, such as in the womb, egg, or even the loins of its ancestors before it comes into being. Some scholars, like al-Jalalayn and al-Faraa, also suggest it could mean the place where it dies. Regardless of the nuance, both terms together convey Allah's complete awareness of every stage of a creature's existence, from its inception to its final resting place, and every moment in between.
The Clear Record
Finally, `كُلٌّۭ فِي كِتَٰبٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ` ("All is in a clear record"). The word `كُلٌّۭ` (kullun) with its tanwin (the 'n' sound at the end) implies "each and every one" of these things mentioned, every creature, its provision, its abode, and its place of deposit. All of this is recorded in a `كِتَٰبٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ` (kitābin mubīn), a "clear or manifest record." Scholars like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi identify this as the Preserved Tablet (Lawh al-Mahfuz). Ibn Ashur explains that `كِتَٰبٍۢ` here signifies a firm, unchangeable decree and knowledge, like writing that ensures no alteration. `مُّبِينٍۢ` means "manifest" or "made clear," not necessarily to us, but in its certainty and precision within Allah's divine decree.
This verse, through its precise and powerful wording, assures us of Allah's absolute guarantee of sustenance for every single living being and His perfect, comprehensive knowledge of their entire existence, all recorded with undeniable clarity.
Sources: al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn
Qur'anic Worlds
This profound verse opens our hearts to an immense truth about Allah’s flawless knowledge and boundless care for all creation. Allah, the Exalted, is directly addressing us, humanity, in a tone of reassurance and powerful affirmation. It is part of a series of verses revealing His comprehensive knowledge, making it clear that nothing is hidden from Him.
The World of Creation
The verse begins, "And there is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah" (وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا). The Arabic word *dabbah* refers to every single living creature that moves on the earth, from the tiniest insect to the largest animal, as Sayyid Qutb points out, and even includes birds and sea creatures connected to the land, according to Ma'arif al-Quran. Ponder for a moment the sheer, unimaginable number and diversity of these creatures across the planet. This verse declares that Allah has taken it upon Himself, out of His sheer grace and mercy, to provide for every single one of them. This is not an obligation upon Allah in the human sense, but a certain promise from the All-Capable and All-Merciful. Sayyid Qutb beautifully explains that Allah has created the means of sustenance for every being and given each the ability to obtain it, whether through simple means or through complex processes.
Divine Knowledge and Record
Beyond provision, Allah's knowledge is absolute: "And He knows its resting place and its repository" (وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا). Scholars have reflected deeply on what *mustaqarr* (resting place) and *mustawda'* (repository) mean. Some, like Ibn Abbas, explained *mustaqarr* as where a creature lives and dwells, and *mustawda'* as the place where it will eventually die and be buried. Others, like Mujahid, saw *mustaqarr* as the wombs where life develops and *mustawda'* as the loins of fathers. Ma'arif al-Quran suggests *mustaqarr* can also mean a permanent residence and *mustawda'* a temporary stay. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the message is one of all-encompassing divine knowledge: Allah knows every detail of a creature's life, from its origin and where it makes its home to its final moment.
This intricate knowledge isn't merely held in memory; it is recorded: "All is in a clear book" (كُلٌّ فِي كِتَابٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ). This "clear book" refers to al-Lawh al-Mahfuz, the Preserved Tablet, where all destinies, provisions, ages, and deeds are meticulously inscribed before creation, as noted by Ma'arif al-Quran and al-Razi. This detail assures us that Allah’s promise and knowledge are perfect and without error or omission.
Lessons from Other Worlds
This grand truth about Allah's universal providence has profound implications, evident in the "Worlds of Revelation" and "Worlds of Past Nations." Ma'arif al-Quran and al-Razi recount the story of Prophet Musa, peace be upon him. When he received prophethood, his heart became concerned for his family. Allah showed him a tiny worm inside three layers of rock, with its sustenance provided. This direct observation of Allah's perfect provision for the most hidden creature reassured Musa about his own family.
Similarly, Ma'arif al-Quran shares the story of the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, from the Banu al-Ash'ar tribe. Faced with hunger after their migration, their emissary heard this very verse recited by the Prophet. Understanding that Allah Himself takes responsibility for all sustenance, he returned to his hungry companions with full trust. Soon after, food miraculously appeared. These stories show how the early Muslims understood this verse as a direct promise from Allah, inspiring immense trust and solace.
While Allah guarantees provision, Sayyid Qutb reminds us that this does not negate human effort. Allah has instilled in us the ability to seek sustenance, making our endeavors a part of His divine system. This verse invites us to deepen our trust in the Sustainer of all worlds, knowing that if He provides for the smallest creature in the deepest rock, He will surely provide for us.
Sources: Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Kathir, al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan)
Wisdom
This beautiful verse from Surah Hud opens a window into Allah's profound mercy and all-encompassing knowledge, offering a powerful general lesson for every soul.
The Universal Promise
Allah declares, "And there is no creature (dabbah) on earth except that its provision is on Allah." The word *dabbah* refers to every moving, living being, whether on land, in the sea, or in the air, from the smallest insect to the largest animal, and indeed, humans themselves. Mufti Shafi notes that this promise of sustenance is not restricted to humans but extends to all life forms. When Allah says "on Allah" (*'ala Allah*), it's not because He is obligated in any way. Rather, as al-Qurtubi explains, it signifies a promise from Him, out of His sheer grace and mercy, confirming its certainty. It's a guarantee from the One who is True and Merciful, removing any doubt that provision will reach its intended recipient.
Unwavering Knowledge
The verse continues, "and He knows its place of settlement (mustaqarraha) and its repository (mustawda'aha)." This highlights Allah's perfect and comprehensive knowledge. *Mustaqarr* refers to where a creature permanently resides or finds stability, while *mustawda'* refers to where it temporarily stays, where it might die, or even its origin in the loins and wombs, as various scholars like Ibn Abbas and al-Saadi interpret. Mufti Shafi beautifully illustrates this: unlike human providers who need an address or itinerary, Allah needs no such information. He knows every movement, every resting place, every temporary stop of every creature. He knows where you live, where you travel, and where you will eventually be laid to rest.
A Clear Record
Finally, Allah affirms, "All is in a clear book." This "clear book" is the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz), a universal record containing full details of every creature's sustenance, lifespan, actions, and destiny. This detail underscores Allah's absolute power and control, making any human apprehension about "errors or omissions" in His divine system utterly baseless.
Trust in the Provider
The overarching lesson from this verse is one of profound *tawakkul* (trust in Allah). Knowing that Allah has taken responsibility for the provision of *every* creature, how much more should humanity, whom He has honored, trust in His care? Al-Saadi reminds us that our hearts should find tranquility in the sufficiency of the One who guarantees sustenance and encompasses all knowledge. The story of the Ash'ari companions, mentioned by both al-Qurtubi and Mufti Shafi, perfectly embodies this trust. When their envoy heard this verse, he didn't even ask the Prophet for help; he simply returned to his people, confident that Allah would provide, and indeed, miraculous provision arrived.
While Allah guarantees provision, al-Zuhayli clarifies that this doesn't negate the need for effort. Provision is tied to striving and working. But our striving is done with the secure knowledge that the ultimate outcome and the source of all blessings rest with Allah alone. This verse invites us to release our anxieties, deepen our faith, and live with peace of mind, knowing that our Sustainer is All-Knowing and All-Providing.
Sources: al-Qurtubi (al-Jami li-Ahkam), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Hud 11:6 is discussed in 12 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Hud 11:6 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.