Al-An"aam 6:98
Surah Al-An"aam, Verse 98 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:98 reveals the profound unity of human creation: 'It is He who produced you from a single soul, then gave you a place to dwell (mustaqar) and a place of storage (mustawda).' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse establishes the fundamental origin of all humanity from one soul, referring to Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) as stated in Quran 4:1. The terms mustaqar and mustawda have multiple interpretations among classical scholars: some explain mustaqar as the mother's womb and mustawda as the father's loins, others interpret mustaqar as this worldly life and mustawda as the grave, while a third view considers mustaqar as the eternal abode (paradise or hell) and mustawda as all temporary stages including womb, earth, and grave. The verse emphasizes that despite the vast diversity of human races, languages, and cultures, all humanity shares a common origin, establishing the foundation for human equality and brotherhood. The phrase 'We have explained the signs for people who understand (yafqahun)' indicates that this profound truth about human unity and life's journey requires deep contemplation and wisdom to fully comprehend. This verse connects to the broader Quranic theme of recognizing Allah's signs in creation and understanding the temporary nature of worldly life compared to the permanent abode of the afterlife.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
وَهُوَ الَّذِىۡۤ اَنۡشَاَكُمۡ مِّنۡ نَّفۡسٍ وَّاحِدَةٍ فَمُسۡتَقَرٌّ وَّمُسۡتَوۡدَعٌ ؕ قَدۡ فَصَّلۡنَا الۡاٰيٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ يَّفۡقَهُوۡنَ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Wahuwa allathee anshaakum min nafsinwahidatin famustaqarrun wamustawdaAAun qad fassalnaal-ayati liqawmin yafqahoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 98
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What does 'created from one soul' mean in Islamic teaching?
According to Islamic scholarship, 'created from one soul' refers to the origin of all humanity from Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), as confirmed in Quran 4:1. This establishes that despite the vast diversity of human races, languages, and cultures, all people share a common ancestral origin, forming the foundation for human equality and brotherhood in Islam.
❓What are mustaqar and mustawda in Al-An'am 6:98?
Classical scholars offer multiple interpretations: (1) Mustaqar (dwelling place) as the mother's womb, mustawda (storage) as the father's loins; (2) Mustaqar as this worldly life, mustawda as the grave; (3) Mustaqar as the eternal abode (paradise/hell), mustawda as all temporary stages. Most scholars favor the view that these terms describe the journey of human life through different phases from conception to the afterlife.
❓How does this verse establish human equality in Islam?
By emphasizing that all humans originate from 'one soul,' this verse demolishes any basis for racial, ethnic, or cultural superiority. It establishes that regardless of color, nationality, or social status, all people are equal descendants of the same origin. This forms the theological foundation for the Islamic principle that superiority comes only through righteousness (taqwa), not birth or ethnicity.
❓What are the different life stages implied in this verse?
The verse implies a journey through multiple stages: beginning from the father's loins, developing in the mother's womb, living in this world, resting in the grave (barzakh), and finally reaching the eternal abode in the afterlife. Each stage represents a temporary dwelling except the final destination, emphasizing the transitory nature of worldly life compared to the permanent afterlife.
❓Why does Allah emphasize single soul origin repeatedly in the Quran?
Allah emphasizes single soul origin to remind humanity of their fundamental unity and shared responsibility. This teaching prevents tribalism, racism, and nationalism by establishing that all humans are siblings in creation. It also serves as a reminder that just as Allah created all from one, He can recreate them for judgment in the afterlife, supporting the doctrine of resurrection.
❓What is the significance of 'dwelling' and 'storage' in human life?
The concepts of mustaqar (dwelling) and mustawda (storage) highlight the temporary nature of human existence in this world. Like a traveler who has temporary lodging before reaching the final destination, humans pass through various stages before reaching their eternal abode. This teaches detachment from worldly possessions and preparation for the afterlife.
❓How does this verse connect to Adam's creation narrative?
This verse directly connects to the Quranic account of Adam's creation as the first human, from whom Allah created his mate and spread forth many men and women (Quran 4:1). It establishes Adam as the father of all humanity, making all humans part of one family with shared origins, dignity, and responsibility before Allah.
❓What does 'people who understand' (yafqahun) refer to in this context?
The term 'yafqahun' refers to those who possess deep understanding and wisdom to comprehend the profound implications of human unity and life's journey. These are people who can see beyond surface differences to recognize the fundamental equality of all humans and understand the temporary nature of worldly stages compared to the eternal significance of the afterlife.
❓How does this teaching promote social justice and human rights?
By establishing common origin and equal dignity for all humans, this verse provides the theological foundation for social justice. It prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or social status, and demands equal treatment for all people. The shared origin means that harming any human is harming one's own family, while helping others is fulfilling the rights of kinship established by Allah.
Translations & Commentary
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