سُوْرَةُ النَّحْلِ
Surah An-Nahl (16) — Ayah 79
أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَى ٱلطَّيْرِ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍ فِى جَوِّ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ﴿79﴾
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Do they not see the birds held (flying) in the midst of the sky? None holds them but Allâh [none gave them the ability to fly but Allâh]. Verily, in this are clear Ayât (proofs and signs) for people who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَلَمْ
alam
Do not
يَرَوْا۟
yaraw
they see
إِلَى
ilā
towards
ٱلطَّيْرِ
l-ṭayri
the birds
مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۢ
musakharātin
controlled
فِى
fī
in
جَوِّ
jawwi
the midst
ٱلسَّمَآءِ
l-samāi
(of) the sky
مَا
mā
None
يُمْسِكُهُنَّ
yum'sikuhunna
holds them up
إِلَّا
illā
except
ٱللَّهُ ۗ
l-lahu
Allah
إِنَّ
inna
Indeed
فِى
fī
in
ذَٰلِكَ
dhālika
that
لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ
laāyātin
(are) Signs
لِّقَوْمٍۢ
liqawmin
for a people
يُؤْمِنُونَ
yu'minūna
who believe
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.
Do they not see the birds held poised in the sky? None holds them up except Allah [80]. Surely, in this are many signs [81] for those who believe.
[80]
The Structure of Birds That Float and Move in the Air:
Nothing can remain suspended in the air; due to the subtlety of the air and the gravitational pull of the earth, it falls to the ground. But Allah Almighty has established such a balance in the structure of the birds’ wings and tails that neither does the earth’s gravity pull them down, nor does the subtlety of the air cause them to fall, and they move about freely in the atmosphere. Moreover, they do not even need to learn this skill. All these things have been placed in their nature. When birds begin to fly, they flap and spread their wings. Then, when they reach the air, it is not necessary for them to keep their wings spread at all times. They also fold them, yet they do not fall. Man, by reflecting on the flight and structure of birds, has invented the airplane. But the Being who has made such natural laws by which birds or airplanes fly in the air—man has made no effort to attain the recognition of that Being.
[81]
The Reliance of Birds and Their Setting Out:
After mentioning the eyes, ears, and heart, the mention of birds also points to the fact that every living being, using these three things, strives for its livelihood—both humans and birds. No one brings anything from their mother’s womb. Now, as for humans, their condition is such that they become so engrossed in earning a livelihood and worldly affairs that these very things become obstacles for them in believing in Allah and remaining obedient to Him. Whereas their sustenance is the responsibility of Allah. In this regard, birds are far better than humans. Thus, Sayyiduna Umarؓ says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If you rely on Allah as He deserves to be relied upon, you would be provided for as the birds are provided for. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening with their bellies full.” [ترمذی، ابواب الزہد۔ باب ماجاء فی الزہادۃ فی الدینا]
[80]
The Structure of Birds That Float and Move in the Air:
Nothing can remain suspended in the air; due to the subtlety of the air and the gravitational pull of the earth, it falls to the ground. But Allah Almighty has established such a balance in the structure of the birds’ wings and tails that neither does the earth’s gravity pull them down, nor does the subtlety of the air cause them to fall, and they move about freely in the atmosphere. Moreover, they do not even need to learn this skill. All these things have been placed in their nature. When birds begin to fly, they flap and spread their wings. Then, when they reach the air, it is not necessary for them to keep their wings spread at all times. They also fold them, yet they do not fall. Man, by reflecting on the flight and structure of birds, has invented the airplane. But the Being who has made such natural laws by which birds or airplanes fly in the air—man has made no effort to attain the recognition of that Being.
[81]
The Reliance of Birds and Their Setting Out:
After mentioning the eyes, ears, and heart, the mention of birds also points to the fact that every living being, using these three things, strives for its livelihood—both humans and birds. No one brings anything from their mother’s womb. Now, as for humans, their condition is such that they become so engrossed in earning a livelihood and worldly affairs that these very things become obstacles for them in believing in Allah and remaining obedient to Him. Whereas their sustenance is the responsibility of Allah. In this regard, birds are far better than humans. Thus, Sayyiduna Umarؓ says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “If you rely on Allah as He deserves to be relied upon, you would be provided for as the birds are provided for. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening with their bellies full.” [ترمذی، ابواب الزہد۔ باب ماجاء فی الزہادۃ فی الدینا]
