Surah Ya Sin (Ya Sin) 36 : 44

Explanatory Note

And yet another sign for them is that We carry their offspring in laden ships, and that We create things of similar kind for them to ride in. If such be Our will, We may cause them to drown, with none to respond to their cries for help, and then they cannot be saved, unless it be by an act of mercy from Us, leaving them to enjoy life for a while. (Verses 41-44)

There is a clear analogy between the stars and planets floating in their orbits and ships floating on water carrying human passengers. The two types are not dissimilar in appearance or movement. Moreover, it is only through God’s will and design that these two types of floating take place while He controls the entire universe ensuring the safety of all. At the same time, both are signs that we see but hardly ever contemplate. The floating of laden ships is closer to us and easier to reflect upon, if only we would open our hearts.

In the original Arabic text, the term ‘laden ships’ could be read to mean ‘the laden ark’, which makes it a reference to Noah’s ark in which Adam’s offspring was carried. God then enabled mankind to make ships. In both cases, the floating was made possible by God’s will, power and the laws He has set in operation and the nature of boats, water, wind, steam, and other types of energy, which combine to allow ships to float on water. All these are parts of God’s creation.

“If such be Our will, We may cause them to drown, with none to respond to their cries for help, and then they cannot be saved, unless it be by an act of mercy from Us, leaving them to enjoy life for a while.” (Verses 43-44)

Large, heavy and carefully built as it may be, a ship in water is like a feather in the air: it can disappear and perish in a moment, unless it is protected by God’s grace. People who have crossed oceans, whether in a boat with sails or in a large vessel, appreciate the danger represented by the sea and the little protection there is, should a storm ensue. They recognize that only God’s grace provides protection in the midst of storms and currents that run over the sea, which is after all a creature controlled only by God’s caring hand. But all this applies ‘for a while,’ only until the time God has set arrives. What Opens Sealed Hearts Clear and inspiring as these signs are, people continue to pay little heed. Their hearts remain closed and they persist in ridicule and denial, hastening the end against which God’s messengers have warned them