16. [an-Nahl, mecca 70]

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَانُهُ...    

16: 13.  And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colors (and qualities):

C2032. Whose heart has not been moved by the glorious gradation of colours in the sunset clouds?

The gradations are infinite, and it is only the eye of an artist that can express their collective beauty. They are but a type of the infinite variety and gradation of qualities in the spiritual sphere even in the little space of our own globe.

The big things that can be measured and defined have been spoken of before. Here we have mention of the subtle nuances in the spiritual world which can only be perceived by men who are so high in spiritual insight that their only reaction is to "cerebrate the praises of Allah" in gratitude for His infinite Mercies.

... إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ﴿١٣﴾

verily in this is a Sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude).

C2033. Read again n. 2030 above, and see how subtly we are led up from the perception of the big to the perception of the subtle and delicate colours and qualities in the spiritual world.

Pickthall’s Version:

16: 13

Pickthall And whatsoever He hath created for you in the earth of divers hues, lo! therein is indeed a portent for people who take heed.

Transliteration Wa ma_ zara'a lakum fil ardi mukhtalifan alwa_nuh(a_), inna fi za_lika la a_yatal liqaumiy yazzakkaru_n(a).