Quranic verse, translation and commentary at iSerat
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Surah Ya-Sin — Verse 42
وَخَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّن مِّثْلِهِ مَا يَرْكَبُونَ
And We created for them other things of its kind on which they ride
The blessing of transport is not confined to one ship. God has provided other means for carrying people and their possessions. The expression “of its kind” (min mithlihi) points to things resembling the ship in their role as a means of travel. Commentators have understood it as referring both to other ships and to riding animals that carry people and goods.
In earlier times, animals, especially camels, made long and difficult journeys overland possible, much as ships enabled people to cross seas. Both invite reflection on the provision found in creation: some living creatures can carry heavy loads, while natural resources can be fashioned into vessels.
Modern means of transport can offer further examples through which to appreciate this blessing, but the verse should not be presented as a specific prediction of a later invention. Its central point is the provision of the means for movement, travel and the use of the world's resources. This recognition does not diminish human knowledge, labour or invention; it places them within a created world whose foundations and possibilities people did not bring into existence themselves.
The blessing of transport is not confined to one ship. God has provided other means for carrying people and their possessions. The expression “of its kind” (min mithlihi) points to things resembling the ship in their role as a means of travel. Commentators have understood it as referring both to other ships and to riding animals that carry people and goods.
In earlier times, animals, especially camels, made long and difficult journeys overland possible, much as ships enabled people to cross seas. Both invite reflection on the provision found in creation: some living creatures can carry heavy loads, while natural resources can be fashioned into vessels.
Modern means of transport can offer further examples through which to appreciate this blessing, but the verse should not be presented as a specific prediction of a later invention. Its central point is the provision of the means for movement, travel and the use of the world's resources. This recognition does not diminish human knowledge, labour or invention; it places them within a created world whose foundations and possibilities people did not bring into existence themselves.