Surah An-Nahl — Verse 8

Word Meanings:

• Al-Khayl (الْخَيْلَ): Horses.
• Al-Bighāl (الْبِغَالَ): Mules — offspring of a horse and a donkey.
• Al-Ḥamīr (الْحَمِيرَ): Donkeys.
• Zīnah (زِينَةً): Adornment, beauty, and a source of visual delight.
• Wa yakhluqu mā lā taʿlamūn (وَيَخْلُقُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ): And He creates what you do not know — referring to other means of transport and creatures unknown to people at the time of revelation, and even today.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this verse, Allah reminds us of His immense blessings upon humanity. He created horses, mules, and donkeys — not for us to worship them or to treat them as mere objects, but for our benefit and service. He made them subservient to us so that we may ride them, carry our loads, and travel from place to place with ease. Alongside their practical use, He also made them a source of beauty and adornment — their graceful forms, their strength, and their elegance bring joy to the eye and pride to the heart. This is a sign of Allah’s love for us: He did not only give us what is useful, but also what is pleasing and beautiful.

Then comes a profound statement: "And He creates what you do not know." This points to the countless other creations — means of transport, animals, and technologies — that were unknown to the people of that time and remain unknown to us today. From the ships that sail the seas, to the airplanes that soar the skies, to the cars and trains that move us across vast distances — all of these are part of what Allah creates and grants us, generation after generation. And beyond that, there are creatures in the depths of the oceans, in the vastness of space, and in the unseen realms that no human mind can fully comprehend.

This verse invites us to reflect: If Allah has given us so much that we can see and use, how much more must He have prepared for us that we cannot even imagine? It deepens our faith, increases our gratitude, and humbles us before His infinite power and wisdom. Every time we mount a horse, board a plane, or simply walk on the earth, let us remember that it is Allah who made all of this possible — and let us thank Him, for He is the One who says, "And if you tried to count the favors of Allah, you could never enumerate them" (Ibrahim: 34).

So, dear reader, look around you. The animals you ride, the vehicles you travel in, the beauty you see — all are gifts from your Lord. And the things you have not yet seen or known? They too are in His hands, waiting to be revealed. Let this verse be a call to increase your faith, to strengthen your trust in Allah, and to live a life of gratitude and worship — for He is the Creator of all, and to Him we will all return.