Surah Qaf 50:7
سُورَةُ قٓ · Meccan · Verse 7 of 45
وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَٰهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍۢ
Translation
how We spread out the earth and put solid mountains on it, and caused every kind of joyous plant to grow in it,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse invites us to reflect deeply on Allah's magnificent creation of the Earth, presenting undeniable proofs of His power that point towards His ability to resurrect us. It addresses those who doubt the return to life after death, urging them to contemplate the clear signs all around them.
The Earth, Stretched Wide
The verse begins, "And the earth, We spread it out" (وَٱلْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَٰهَا). The word `مددناها` (madadnāhā) means "We stretched it out" or "We flattened it." As al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn note, this implies that Allah made the earth expansive and habitable, not a collection of jagged protrusions. Ibn Ashur highlights that this spreading of the earth's surface makes walking easy and comfortable. This is a deliberate contrast to the description of the sky in the previous verse, which was `بنيناها` (We built it), emphasizing the distinct design and purpose for each, as al-Razi observes. The grammatical structure, placing "the Earth" (وَٱلْأَرْضَ) before its verb `مددناها` (We spread it out), serves to emphasize the Earth itself, drawing our attention powerfully to this specific aspect of creation.
Mountains, Firmly Placed
Next, Allah says, "And We cast therein firm mountains" (وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَٰسِىَ). The word `ألقينا` (alqaynā) means "We cast" or "We placed." Ibn Ashur explains this is a vivid way to describe how prominent landforms, the mountains, were formed. The term `رَوَاسِيَ` (rawāsī) refers to firm, stable mountains. Its root implies stability and permanence. These mountains are not just resting on the surface; they are integrated, "interlocked with the earth," as Ibn Ashur describes it. This deep connection prevents the earth from shaking and swaying, stabilizing it for its inhabitants, a profound act of divine wisdom and mercy.
Life's Abundant Beauty
Finally, the verse concludes, "And We caused to grow therein from every delightful type" (وَأَنۢبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍۭ بَهِيجٍۢ). The phrase `أنبتنا` (anbatnā) signifies Allah's direct role in causing growth. The term `زَوْجٍ` (zawj) means "type" or "species," emphasizing the incredible diversity of plant life that sprouts from the earth. Ibn Ashur draws attention to the particle `مِن` (min) before `كُلِّ زَوْجٍ` ("from every type"). Although generally used for emphasis in negative statements, its use here in an affirmative context is deliberate. It serves to reinforce Allah's power to grow *every* kind of plant, confronting those who deny His ability to bring humans forth from the earth after death. It implies an overwhelming abundance and variety.
The word `بَهِيجٍ` (bahīj) describes these plants as "delightful" or "beautiful." Both al-Zamakhshari and al-Jalalayn explain that they bring joy and pleasure to the beholder due to their aesthetic appeal. Ibn Ashur further explains that `بَهِيجٍ` can mean either "that which makes joyful" or "that which is made joyful by," both pointing to the profound beauty and happiness these creations evoke. This description highlights not only Allah's power but also His intricate artistry and generosity, providing us with beauty to appreciate and sustenance to live.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Qaf 50:7 is discussed in 9 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Qaf 50:7 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.