An-Nahl (The Bee)

14. “And He it is Who has made the sea subservient that you may eat fresh meat from it and bring forth from it ornaments which you wear, and you see the ships cleaving through it, and that you may seek of His bounty, and that you may be grateful.”

The sea has got an important role to play in man’s life. The seawater is the source of steam, clouds and rain.

The depth of the sea provides man with the most delicious food, fishes, and its surface provides the cheapest, and the most widespread lines of transportation for cargo and passengers. All of the above advantages have been made possible through the policies and powers of the Almighty, and man has got no role to play in bringing them about.

The verse says:

“And He it is Who has made the sea subservient that you may eat fresh meat from it and bring forth from it ornaments which you wear, and you see the ships cleaving through it, and that you may seek of His bounty, and that you may be grateful.”

The Arabic term /mawaxir/ is the plural form of /m axirah/ which is derived from /maxr/ and it signifies splitting from all sides, the left side as well as the right side.

Explanations

The sea, with all its magnanimity and despite all its ebbs and flows, is subject and subservient to man and is at his disposal.

“And He it is Who has made the sea subservient…”

The seas provide the most important source of fresh and healthy meat.

“…that you may eat fresh meat from it…”

Allah provides man not only with the means of primary needs, such as water and food, but also He provides him even with ornamental materials as well; in a manner: So as you would be able to exploit the precious gems of the seas with deep-sea diving for the sake of your dressing as well as the dressing of your wives.

“…and bring forth from it ornaments which you wear…”

The seas provide man with the best of natural ornaments.

The general laws with regard to the sea animals are concerned with their categorization as being religiously ‘lawful meat’ for eating, unless there is a law as not being allowed for a specific reason.

Freshness of meat is a value in itself.

Although man ought to struggle for obtaining food, his sustenance depends on Allah.

“…and that you may seek of His bounty…”

All of one’s success must be targeted in order that sense of gratitude may be awakened.

“…and that you may be grateful.”