Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

• The blessing of revelation, which is the first blessing in the surah; Allah (SWT)
says what can be translated as, “He (always) sends (i.e., He has been sending
down) down the Angels with the Spirit of His Command upon whomever
He decides among His bondmen, (saying), “Warn that there is no god
except I; so be pious to Me” (TMQ, 16:2).
• The blessing of the creation of earth and the heavens; Allah (SWT) says what
can be translated as, “He created the heavens and the earth with the truth.
Supremely Exalted be He above whatever they associate (with Him)”
(TMQ, 16:3).
• The blessing of the creation of man; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated
as, “He created man of a sperm-drop; yet, (behold) how he is an evident
adversary” (TMQ, 16:4). The souls that inhabit our bodies are themselves a
blessing from Allah (SWT), after He had created us from naught.
• The blessing of animals (cattle) as a source of food, clothes, and a means of
transportation; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And the cattle-
He created them for you; in them is warmth and (various) uses (i.e.,
profits) and of them you eat” (TMQ, 16:5); and “And horses and mules
and asses for you to ride, and as an adornment; and He creates what you
do not know” (TMQ, 16:8).
This ayah includes the means of transportation during the Prophet’s (SAWS)
days as well as the reference to all modern means of transportation in present
world as Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “… and He creates
what you do not know.”, (TMQ 16:8), which includes planes, cars … etc.
that are all blessings that Allah has bestowed on us
• The blessing of water, falling down from the skies; Allah (SWT) says what can
be translated as, “He is The One Who sends down to you from the heaven
water of which you have drink, and of which (you have) trees, wherein
you mark for (your herds) to graze”(TMQ, 16:10).
• The blessing of plantation; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as,
“Therewith He causes to grow for you plantation, and olives, and palms,
and vineyards, and all (kinds of) products. Surely in that is, indeed, a sign
for a people who meditate” (TMQ, 16:11).
• The blessing of the subjection of the universe to man; Allah (SWT) says what
can be translated as, “And He has subjected to you the night, and the
daytime, and the sun, and the moon. And the stars are subjected to His
Command. Surely in that are indeed signs for a people who consider”
(TMQ, 16:12).
This entire universe in its magnitude is subjected to you so you would live and
fulfill your obligation for the Vicegerency. Imagine the world without the
blessing of the subjection of the universe to mankind. Imagine the earth
without oxygen, or without a sun providing light and warmth.