سُوْرَةُ الْمُؤْمِنِ
Surah Ghafir (40) — Ayah 64
ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ قَرَارًا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً وَصَوَّرَكُمْ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَكُمْ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ﴿64﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Allâh, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allâh, your Lord: so Blessed be Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
ٱللَّهُ
al-lahu
Allah
ٱلَّذِى
alladhī
(is) the One Who
جَعَلَ
jaʿala
made
لَكُمُ
lakumu
for you
ٱلْأَرْضَ
l-arḍa
the earth
قَرَارًۭا
qarāran
a place of settlement
وَٱلسَّمَآءَ
wal-samāa
and the sky
بِنَآءًۭ
bināan
a canopy
وَصَوَّرَكُمْ
waṣawwarakum
and He formed you
فَأَحْسَنَ
fa-aḥsana
and perfected
صُوَرَكُمْ
ṣuwarakum
your forms
وَرَزَقَكُم
warazaqakum
and provided you
مِّنَ
mina
of
ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ ۚ
l-ṭayibāti
the good things
ذَٰلِكُمُ
dhālikumu
That
ٱللَّهُ
l-lahu
(is) Allah
رَبُّكُمْ ۖ
rabbukum
your Lord
فَتَبَارَكَ
fatabāraka
Then blessed (is)
ٱللَّهُ
l-lahu
Allah
رَبُّ
rabbu
(the) Lord
ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
l-ʿālamīna
(of) the worlds
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 64) ➊ { اَللّٰهُ الَّذِيْ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْاَرْضَ قَرَارًا … :} Before this, along with the mention of night and day, the temporal blessings were mentioned. In this verse, Allah has reminded man of His exclusive Lordship by mentioning five more blessings out of His countless blessings upon mankind. These blessings are related to place or to the person of man. The first blessing is making the earth a dwelling place. This includes several things: one is that when He created the earth, it was shaking, then He fixed mountains in it with such balance and proportion that it became a place of settlement for humans and all living beings. If it had remained in a constant state of earthquake, no living being could have lived on it. (See An-Nahl: 15, Al-Anbiya: 31, Luqman: 10) The second is that the earth provides shelter to humans and all living beings during life and gathers them after death as well; if it did not have this quality, no living being could have survived due to the stench. (See Al-Mursalat: 25, 26) And third, all the necessities of man—food, drink, clothing, etc.—are all dependent on the earth; if Allah had not placed this quality in it, no living being could have survived here. This has been mentioned at several places in the Qur’an. The second blessing is making the sky a canopy, a roof without pillars, protected from falling and from all kinds of calamities. For details, see Surah Al-Anbiya (32), Ar-Ra’d (2), and Luqman (10).
The third blessing is shaping man’s form, and that too with great care, with His own hands. (See Surah Sad: 38) The fourth blessing is making man’s form good; unlike other animals, he walks upright on two feet and eats and drinks with his hands. For further details, see the commentary of Surah Bani Isra’il, Ayah (70): « وَ لَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِيْۤ اٰدَمَ وَ حَمَلْنٰهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ … ». The fifth blessing is granting “Tayyibat” (pure things) as sustenance. When the word { ’’ الطَّيِّبٰتِ ‘‘} comes in the context of halal and haram, it means halal things, and when mentioned as a favor, it means delicious things. Here, this is the meaning, because unlike all other animals, man’s food is the most delicious part of everything. Besides food, this includes countless Tayyibat in marriage, clothing, adornment, and dwelling.
➋ { ذٰلِكُمُ اللّٰهُ رَبُّكُمْ:} Its explanation has already passed in the previous verses.
➌ For the explanation of {فَتَبٰرَكَ اللّٰهُ رَبُّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ: ’’تَبَارَكَ‘‘}, see the first verse of Surah Al-Mulk.
The third blessing is shaping man’s form, and that too with great care, with His own hands. (See Surah Sad: 38) The fourth blessing is making man’s form good; unlike other animals, he walks upright on two feet and eats and drinks with his hands. For further details, see the commentary of Surah Bani Isra’il, Ayah (70): « وَ لَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِيْۤ اٰدَمَ وَ حَمَلْنٰهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ … ». The fifth blessing is granting “Tayyibat” (pure things) as sustenance. When the word { ’’ الطَّيِّبٰتِ ‘‘} comes in the context of halal and haram, it means halal things, and when mentioned as a favor, it means delicious things. Here, this is the meaning, because unlike all other animals, man’s food is the most delicious part of everything. Besides food, this includes countless Tayyibat in marriage, clothing, adornment, and dwelling.
➋ { ذٰلِكُمُ اللّٰهُ رَبُّكُمْ:} Its explanation has already passed in the previous verses.
➌ For the explanation of {فَتَبٰرَكَ اللّٰهُ رَبُّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ: ’’تَبَارَكَ‘‘}, see the first verse of Surah Al-Mulk.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
64. 1. Ahead, some types of blessings are being mentioned so that Allah’s perfect power also becomes clear and His being the only deity without any partner as well.
64. 2. In which you live, walk, conduct business, and spend your life, then ultimately, after encountering death, you remain peacefully asleep in it until the Day of Resurrection.
64. 3. That is, a roof that is established and stable; if there was a fear of it collapsing, no person could sleep peacefully, nor would it be possible for anyone to conduct the business of life.
64. 4. Of all the animals on the face of the earth, you humans have been made the most handsome and proportionate in limbs.
64. 5. That is, foods of various types and kinds have been provided for you, which are both delicious and nourishing.
64. 2. In which you live, walk, conduct business, and spend your life, then ultimately, after encountering death, you remain peacefully asleep in it until the Day of Resurrection.
64. 3. That is, a roof that is established and stable; if there was a fear of it collapsing, no person could sleep peacefully, nor would it be possible for anyone to conduct the business of life.
64. 4. Of all the animals on the face of the earth, you humans have been made the most handsome and proportionate in limbs.
64. 5. That is, foods of various types and kinds have been provided for you, which are both delicious and nourishing.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
It is Allah who made the earth a place of settlement [83] for you, and the sky a canopy [84], and formed you, perfecting your forms [85], and provided you with good and pure things [86]. That is Allah, your Lord, so blessed is Allah, Lord of all the worlds.
[83]
The Various Aspects of the Earth Being a Place of Settlement:
There are several aspects to the earth being a place of settlement. One is that when Allah Almighty created the earth, it was unstable and shaking. Then Allah placed mountains in it with such balance and proportion that it became a place of settlement for humans and all living beings. The second aspect is that humans are born on this earth, live their lives on it, and after death are buried in it. The third aspect is that all of a human’s needs—food, drink, clothing, and all other necessities—are connected to this earth. And if Allah Almighty had not placed such characteristics in the earth, then no living being could survive here, nor could the earth become a place of settlement.
[84]
How is the Sky a Protected Roof?
At this place, the sky is described as a roof, while in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse number 32, it is called ﴿سَقْفًا مَّحْفُوْظًا﴾, meaning a protected roof. The benefit of a roof is that it protects from heavenly calamities; this is exactly the benefit of the sky of this world. In this vast universe, countless planets, comets, and meteors move about at tremendous speeds. Sometimes they collide and shatter. But Allah has made this protected roof above us. Otherwise, the calamities of the higher realms would rain down upon the earth like a storm and devastate its inhabitants. No destructive thing can reach us after passing through this sky. Even the deadly rays of the cosmos cannot reach us. This is why we are able to live on this earth in peace and tranquility.
[85]
In What Ways is Man Physically Distinguished from Other Animals?
Your form and appearance have been made superior to all living beings. The prominent physical characteristics that distinguish humans from other creatures are that all animals eat food with their mouths, while humans bring food to their mouths with their hands. Most animals crawl on the ground or walk on four legs, whereas humans walk on two feet and keep their bodies upright while walking. The hands and feet of humans are multi-purpose; no other creature can use its hands and feet as humans do. Besides his unique body and physical abilities, the mental faculties Allah Almighty has granted to man have not been given to any other creature. And bestowing these abilities is purely the grace and mercy of Allah, in which no deity, prophet, saint, or elder has any share.
[86]
The Best Part of the Earth’s Produce is for Man—The Enjoyment of Making Countless Things from Earthly Produce:
Of all the produce that grows from the earth, the best part is used for human food. No other creature has access to such fine and delicious things as humans do. This cool, sweet, pure, and clear water, these grains, these fruits, these vegetables, this milk, this honey, this meat, this salt, pepper, and these spices—not only do they serve as food for humans, but humans also use them to make many other things and enjoy life. Then the pleasure humans derive from fragrant flowers and making perfumes from them is not shared by any other creature. After all, who has produced all these things in such abundance on the earth, and who has arranged that these countless treasures of food keep emerging from the earth one after another without interruption? If Allah Almighty had not arranged this pure sustenance for you, just think how joyless your life would be. Is this not clear proof that Allah Almighty is not only the Creator but also the Wise and Merciful?
[83]
The Various Aspects of the Earth Being a Place of Settlement:
There are several aspects to the earth being a place of settlement. One is that when Allah Almighty created the earth, it was unstable and shaking. Then Allah placed mountains in it with such balance and proportion that it became a place of settlement for humans and all living beings. The second aspect is that humans are born on this earth, live their lives on it, and after death are buried in it. The third aspect is that all of a human’s needs—food, drink, clothing, and all other necessities—are connected to this earth. And if Allah Almighty had not placed such characteristics in the earth, then no living being could survive here, nor could the earth become a place of settlement.
[84]
How is the Sky a Protected Roof?
At this place, the sky is described as a roof, while in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse number 32, it is called ﴿سَقْفًا مَّحْفُوْظًا﴾, meaning a protected roof. The benefit of a roof is that it protects from heavenly calamities; this is exactly the benefit of the sky of this world. In this vast universe, countless planets, comets, and meteors move about at tremendous speeds. Sometimes they collide and shatter. But Allah has made this protected roof above us. Otherwise, the calamities of the higher realms would rain down upon the earth like a storm and devastate its inhabitants. No destructive thing can reach us after passing through this sky. Even the deadly rays of the cosmos cannot reach us. This is why we are able to live on this earth in peace and tranquility.
[85]
In What Ways is Man Physically Distinguished from Other Animals?
Your form and appearance have been made superior to all living beings. The prominent physical characteristics that distinguish humans from other creatures are that all animals eat food with their mouths, while humans bring food to their mouths with their hands. Most animals crawl on the ground or walk on four legs, whereas humans walk on two feet and keep their bodies upright while walking. The hands and feet of humans are multi-purpose; no other creature can use its hands and feet as humans do. Besides his unique body and physical abilities, the mental faculties Allah Almighty has granted to man have not been given to any other creature. And bestowing these abilities is purely the grace and mercy of Allah, in which no deity, prophet, saint, or elder has any share.
[86]
The Best Part of the Earth’s Produce is for Man—The Enjoyment of Making Countless Things from Earthly Produce:
Of all the produce that grows from the earth, the best part is used for human food. No other creature has access to such fine and delicious things as humans do. This cool, sweet, pure, and clear water, these grains, these fruits, these vegetables, this milk, this honey, this meat, this salt, pepper, and these spices—not only do they serve as food for humans, but humans also use them to make many other things and enjoy life. Then the pleasure humans derive from fragrant flowers and making perfumes from them is not shared by any other creature. After all, who has produced all these things in such abundance on the earth, and who has arranged that these countless treasures of food keep emerging from the earth one after another without interruption? If Allah Almighty had not arranged this pure sustenance for you, just think how joyless your life would be. Is this not clear proof that Allah Almighty is not only the Creator but also the Wise and Merciful?
