55. Ar-Rah Man (The Most Gracious)

Period Uncertain

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

يَسْأَلُهُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ...

55: 29  Of Him seeks (its needs) every creature in the heavens and on earth:

C5191. Every single creature depends on Allah for its needs: of all of them the Cherisher and Sustainer is Allah.

Seek (its needs): does not necessarily mean 'seek them in words': what is meant is the dependence: the allusion is to the Source of supply.

كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِي شَأْنٍ ﴿٢٩﴾

every day in (new) Splendor doth He (shine)!

C5192. Shan: state, splendour; aim, work, business, momentous affair.

Allah's is still the directing hand in all affairs. He does not sit apart, careless of mankind or of any of His creatures. But His working shows new Splendour every day, every hour, every moment.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاء رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ﴿٣٠﴾

55:30 Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?

Asad’s Version:

55:29 On Him depend all creatures 12 in the heavens and on earth; [and] every day He manifests Himself in yet another [wondrous] way.

(55:30) Which, then, of your Sustainer's powers can you disavow?

[[Asad’s notes - 12 Lit., "Him does ask [or "of Him does beg"] whoever is ..", etc.:i.e.; all depend on Him for their safety and sustenance.]]