In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Beneficent

We have created above you seven (celestial) orbits; and never are We unmindful of (Our) creation.

We send down water from the skies in accordance with a set measure, and We cause it to lodge in the earth; and We are most certainly able to take it all away.

And by means of this water We bring forth for you gardens of date trees and vines, yielding abundant fruit, and from which you eat, as well as a tree that grows on Mount Sinai yielding oil and relish for all to eat.

In the cattle too there is a lesson for you: We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, and you gain many other benefits from them, and you eat of their flesh. By them, as by the ships (that sail over the sea) you are carried.

(The Believers, Al-Muminoon: 23: 17-22)

Commentary by Sayyid Qutb

Having pointed out numerous aspects that confirm the truth of faith and God’s creation, deriving these from the creation of man and the stages the human embryo goes through, then death and resurrection, the Surah now cites similar indications in the universe.

“We have created above you seven (celestial) orbits; and never are We unmindful of (Our) creation.” The Arabic word used here has different meanings. It may mean seven layers, one above the other, or next to one another. It may also mean seven orbits, (as we chose in our translation), but it could also mean seven celestial systems like our solar system, or seven nebulae, or clusters of stars.

Be that as it may, the term signifies seven celestial creatures above us, which means that they are higher than the level of the earth in the universe. God has created them all according to His planning and to suit His purpose. He protects and preserves them according to a definite law He has set in operation: “Never are We unmindful of Our creation.”

“We send down water from the skies in accordance with a set measure, and We cause it to lodge in the earth; and We are most certainly able to take it all away.” Here we have a direct link between those seven orbits or bodies and the earth. Water comes down from the sky, and has a direct link with those bodies. In fact, it is the perfect order controlling the universe that allows water to pour down from the sky and to settle into the earth.

It is only recently that geologists developed their theory that underground water comes from surface water and rain, which seeps through the earth and is stored underground. Before this theory was advanced, the general perception was that underground water was independent from surface water. Yet the Qur’an states this fact more than 1400 years ago.

“We send down water from the skies in accordance with a set measure.” It is all according to an elaborate plan. It is neither too much so as to cause flooding and devastation, nor too little so as to cause drought and famine. Nor does it come at the wrong time when it will be of little use.

“And We cause it to lodge in the earth.” The picture here is akin to that of the fertilized egg that is implanted in the uterus, which is described in the Qur’an as ‘a safe enclosure.’ Both the egg and water have their settled and safe places of settlement in order to give life. Here we see yet another example of the Qur’anic method of artistic arrangement of scenes and images.

“We are most certainly able to take it all away.” It can sink into the depths of the earth, through a schism in the rocky layer under it, or by some other means. The One who kept it stored in its place is also able to allow it to go beyond man’s reach. Keeping it in its place is part of God’s grace.

It is from water that life derives: “And by means of this water We bring forth for you gardens of date trees and vines, yielding abundant fruit, and from which you eat.” Date trees and vines are only two types of plant life for the emergence of which water is essential. By the same token, the sperm, or fluid man discharges, is essential for the emergence of human life. Both examples are easily understood by those addressed by the Qur’an. They also point to the numerous other examples that depend on water for their life.

Of these other types the olive tree is chosen for particular mention: “As well as a tree that grows on Mount Sinai yielding oil and relish for all to eat.” It is one of the most useful trees for man, with its oil, olives and wood. The closest area to Arabia where it is planted was Mount Sinai, close to the blessed valley mentioned in the Qur’an. Hence, this particular area is mentioned here. In that area, it is watered by groundwater.

Then the surah leaves aside all plants to refer to the animal kingdom: “In the cattle too there is a lesson for you: We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, and you gain many other benefits from them, and you eat of their flesh. By them, as by the ships (that sail over the sea) you are carried.”

These creatures have been made subservient to man by God’s power and design, as also by His distribution of qualities and functions in the entire universe. Anyone who looks at them with open eyes and mind will not fail to recognize the wisdom behind this planning. He will realize that we drink the milk that comes from their bellies, which means that it comes from what these cattle feed on and digest. Their special glands turn it into this tasty and highly beneficial fluid.

“You gain many other benefits from them.” These benefits are given first in this general statement, then two of them are chosen for particular emphasis: “You eat of their flesh. By them, as by the ships you are carried.” Permission is given to man to eat of these animals, which include camels, oxen, sheep and goats, but man is forbidden to inflict pain on these animals or torture them. Eating them gives a real benefit, while torture and pain are only indicative of a sadistic nature. They bring no benefit to man.

The surah compares man’s riding of animals and his being carried on board boats and ships. Both are made possible through the system God has perfected for this universe which organizes the functions of all creatures and establishes coherence and coordination between them all. It is the way God has made water, ships and the atmosphere around them both that allows ships to float over water. If the composition of anyone of the three alters or changes, it would not be able for ships to go through the sea. People realized this very early in human life, and they continue to benefit by it.

All these are signs that lead to faith when they are properly understood. They are relevant to the preceding part of the surah.

1 The evolution theory seeks to prove the opposite, making man another stage of animal evolution, and giving animals the capability to attain the human status.

The facts we see disprove the existence of any such relation between man and animal, showing that no animal has the necessary qualities to evolve to the human status. It will always remain within the animal boundaries.

Its animal evolution may be proven according to Darwin’s theory or in some other way, but mankind remains a higher type of creation distinguished by certain qualities that make man what he is, and this could have never come about as a result of mechanical development. It is a gift from a higher power.

Arab News Islam 21 March 2003