Surah Al-An"aam 6:38 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Al-An"aam, Ayah 38
Arabic Text
وَمَا مِنۡ دَآبَّةٍ فِى الۡاَرۡضِ وَلَا طٰۤٮِٕرٍ يَّطِيۡرُ بِجَنَاحَيۡهِ اِلَّاۤ اُمَمٌ اَمۡثَالُـكُمۡؕ مَا فَرَّطۡنَا فِىۡ الۡـكِتٰبِ مِنۡ شَىۡءٍ ثُمَّ اِلٰى رَبِّهِمۡ يُحۡشَرُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Wama min dabbatin fee al-ardiwala ta-irin yateeru bijanahayhi illaomamun amthalukum ma farratna feealkitabi min shay-in thumma ila rabbihim yuhsharoon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:38, beginning with 'Wama min dabbatin fil-ard wa la ta'irin yateer bi-janahayhi illa umamun amthalukum' (There is no creature on earth, nor bird that flies with its wings, but they are communities like you), presents a profound teaching about the cosmic scope of divine organization and justice according to authentic Islamic scholarship. This verse establishes that all living creatures are organized into distinct communities (umam) with their own social structures, purposes, and divine records, similar to human societies. The phrase 'ma farratna fil-kitab min shay' (We have neglected nothing in the book) refers to the comprehensive divine record-keeping (Lawh al-Mahfuz) that encompasses every detail of every creature's existence, sustenance, movements, and appointed times. Classical tafsir, particularly Abu Hurayrah's authentic narration, explains that the concluding phrase 'thumma ila rabbihim yuhsharoon' (then unto their Lord they shall be gathered) includes animals in the universal resurrection for divine justice. Ibn Kathir notes that perfect divine justice will address even conflicts between animals, exemplified by the horned sheep receiving retribution from the hornless one it harmed, after which all animals will be commanded to become dust. This teaching demonstrates that Allah's justice and record-keeping extend beyond humans to encompass all creation, establishing the universal nature of divine accountability and the comprehensive scope of cosmic justice that neglects no creature, regardless of size or significance in human perception.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 38 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 38
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does 'Wama min dabbatin fil-ard wa la ta'irin yateer bi-janahayhi' mean in Al-An'am 6:38?
This phrase translates to 'There is no creature on earth, nor bird that flies with its wings.' It establishes the comprehensive scope of the verse's teaching, encompassing all living creatures whether they move on land or fly in the air. The verse emphasizes that Allah's organization and justice extend to every form of life, not just humans.
❓How are animals organized as communities (umam) according to this Quranic teaching?
'Illa umamun amthalukum' (but they are communities like you) means animals have their own social structures, purposes, and divine organization similar to human societies. Classical scholars explain this includes distinct species with specific behaviors, social patterns, and roles in creation. Each type of creature forms its own 'ummah' with divinely ordained characteristics and functions.
❓What is meant by 'ma farratna fil-kitab min shay' (nothing missed in the divine record)?
This refers to the comprehensive divine record-keeping in the Preserved Tablet (Lawh al-Mahfuz) that encompasses every detail of every creature's existence. Allah's knowledge includes each creature's sustenance, dwelling places, movements, appointed times, and all aspects of their lives. Nothing is forgotten or overlooked in this perfect divine documentation system.
❓Will animals be resurrected on the Day of Judgment according to Islamic teaching?
Yes, the phrase 'thumma ila rabbihim yuhsharoon' (then unto their Lord they shall be gathered) includes animals in universal resurrection. Abu Hurayrah's authentic narration explains that all creatures will be resurrected for divine justice, including settling disputes between animals. After justice is served, animals will be commanded to become dust, which is when disbelievers will wish they had the same fate.
❓How does divine justice extend to animal behavior according to this verse?
Divine justice is so comprehensive that even conflicts between animals will be addressed on the Day of Resurrection. The famous example from Abu Hurayrah's narration describes a horned sheep receiving retribution from the hornless sheep it harmed in worldly life. This demonstrates that Allah's justice neglects no injustice, regardless of the participants' status or consciousness of moral obligation.
❓What does the horned vs hornless sheep example teach about cosmic justice?
This example illustrates the absolute perfection of divine justice that extends beyond human understanding. Even though animals are not religiously obligated like humans, any harm caused will be addressed because of Allah's supreme regard for equity. It shows that divine justice operates on a cosmic scale where no injustice, however small or seemingly insignificant, escapes divine attention and resolution.
❓How comprehensive is Allah's record-keeping of all creatures according to this verse?
Allah's record-keeping is absolutely comprehensive, covering every creature's names, numbers, movements, lack of movement, sustenance, dwelling places, and all life details. The Quran states that no moving creature exists whose provision isn't Allah's responsibility, and He knows its dwelling place and deposit. This divine documentation system encompasses all creation without exception or oversight.
❓What is the cosmic scope of divine accountability revealed in this verse?
This verse reveals that divine accountability operates on a universal scale encompassing all of creation, not just humans and jinn. Every creature, regardless of size, consciousness level, or moral obligation, falls within the scope of divine justice and record-keeping. This cosmic perspective demonstrates Allah's absolute sovereignty and perfect justice extending throughout all levels of creation.
❓How does this verse connect to the broader themes of Surah Al-An'am?
Al-An'am 6:38 reinforces the surah's themes about Allah's complete sovereignty, comprehensive knowledge, and universal justice. After establishing divine creative power and guidance principles, this verse demonstrates the cosmic scope of divine organization and accountability. It connects to the surah's emphasis on recognizing Allah's signs in all creation and understanding the universal nature of divine authority extending to every aspect of existence.
❓What practical implications does this verse have for human treatment of animals and creation?
This verse establishes that animals are divinely organized communities deserving respect and proper treatment. Since Allah maintains perfect records of all creatures and will address injustices involving them, humans bear responsibility for ethical treatment of animals. It teaches environmental consciousness, animal welfare, and recognition that all creation participates in divine order with inherent value beyond human utility alone.
Translations & Commentary
Loading...