Surah Al-'Ankabut — Verse 60

Word Meanings:

• "Daabbah" (دَابَّة): Any living creature that moves and crawls upon the earth, including animals, birds, and all beings that depend on Allah for their sustenance.
• "Lā taḥmilu rizqahā" (لَا تَحْمِلُ رِزْقَهَا): Does not carry or store its provision; it does not have the strength or ability to gather and preserve food for the future.
• "Wa kā'ayyin" (وَكَأَيِّن): "How many" – an expression indicating abundance and multitude.

Explanation of the Verse:

This noble verse strikes a profound chord of trust and reliance upon Allah, addressing the hearts of believers who may hesitate to take a step of faith—such as migration (Hijrah)—out of fear of poverty or hunger. Allah says: *"And how many a creature does not carry its own provision!"*

Look around you, dear reader, and reflect deeply. Countless creatures—tiny ants, fragile birds, helpless insects, and beasts of the earth—do not store food for tomorrow, nor do they possess the strength to gather and carry their sustenance. Yet, they are never left hungry. They wake up each morning empty-bellied, and by the end of the day, their needs are met. They do not worry about the future, nor do they plan for it, and still, they are nourished.

Allah then declares: *"Allah provides for them and for you."* The same Lord who feeds the birds in their nests and the fish in the depths of the sea is the very Lord who has promised to provide for you. He is the One who sustains every living being on this earth—whether it be in the wilderness, in the mountains, or in the depths of the oceans. And He, the Most Generous, certainly does not forget His believing servants who place their trust in Him.

This verse was revealed in a context where the believers were being encouraged to migrate from Makkah to Madinah, but some feared that leaving their homes and wealth would lead to poverty. Allah removed this fear by reminding them that provision is not tied to a place or to accumulated wealth—it is tied to the will of the Most Merciful. Wherever you go, your provision goes with you, for it is decreed by Allah.

The verse concludes: *"And He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."* He hears your words when you say, "We fear we will not find sustenance," and He knows what is hidden in your hearts—your sincere intentions, your fears, and your trust. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He will reward you according to what is in your soul.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

O beloved reader, let this verse be a cure for your anxieties and a balm for your worries. If Allah provides for creatures that cannot even carry their own food, how could He ever abandon you—a human being whom He has honored, guided, and blessed with intellect and faith?

So when you face a decision that requires courage—whether it is migrating for the sake of your religion, seeking knowledge, or starting a new chapter in your life—do not let the fear of poverty hold you back. Place your trust in Allah, for He is the Best of Providers. He who feeds the ant in the darkness of its hole will most certainly provide for you in the brightness of your journey.

And know with certainty that your provision is not increased by anxiety, nor is it decreased by trust. So live with a heart full of reliance on Allah, and He will open for you doors of sustenance from places you could never imagine. He is the All-Hearing who listens to your prayers, and the All-Knowing who sees your efforts and your faith.