Overview (Verses 18 - 22)

Blessings All Around Us
 
“We send down water from the skies in accordance with a set measure, and We cause it to lodge in the earth; and We are most certainly able to take it all away.” (Verse 18) Here we have a direct link between those seven orbits or bodies and the earth. Water falls from the sky, and has a direct link with those bodies. In fact, it is the perfect order controlling the universe that allows water to so fall from the sky and settle into the earth.
 
It is only recently that geologists developed their theory that underground water comes from surface water and rain, which seeps through the earth. Before this theory was advanced, the general perception was that underground water was independent of surface water. Yet the Qur’ān stated this fact more than 1,400 years ago.
 
“We send down water from the skies in accordance with a set measure.” It is all according to an elaborate plan. It is neither too much so as to cause flooding and devastation, nor too little so as to cause drought and famine. Nor does it come at the wrong time when it would be of little use.
 
“And We cause it to lodge in the earth.” The picture here is akin to that of the fertilized egg that is implanted in the uterus, which is described in the Qur’ān as ‘a safe place of rest.’ Both the egg and the water have their settled and safe places of settlement in order to give rise to life. Here we see yet another example of the Qur’ānic method of artistic arrangement of scenes and images.
 
“We are most certainly able to take it all away.” It can sink into the depths of the earth, through a schism in the rocky layer under it, or by some other means. The One who kept it stored in its place is also able to allow it to go beyond man’s reach. Keeping it in its place is part of God’s grace.
 
It is from water that life derives: “And by means of this water We bring forth for you gardens of date palms and vines, yielding abundant fruit, and from which you eat.” (Verse 19) Date trees and vines are only two types of plant life for the emergence of which water is essential. By the same token, the sperm, or fluid man discharges, is essential for the emergence of human life. Both examples are easily understood by those addressed by the Qur’ān. They also point to the numerous other examples that depend on water for life.
 
Of these other types the olive tree is chosen for particular mention: “as well as a tree that grows on Mount Sinai yielding oil and relish for all to eat.” (Verse 20) It is one of the most useful trees for man, with its oil, fruit and wood. The closest area to Arabia where it was planted was Mount Sinai, close to the blessed valley mentioned in the Qur’ān. Hence, this particular area is mentioned here. In that area, it is fed by groundwater.
 
Then the sūrah leaves aside all plants to refer to the animal kingdom:
 
In the cattle too there is a lesson for you: We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, and you gain many other benefits from them, and you eat of their flesh. By them, as by the ships you are carried. (Verses 21-22)
 
These creatures have been made subservient to man by God’s power and design, as also by His distribution of qualities and functions in the entire universe. Anyone who looks at them with open eyes and mind will not fail to recognize the wisdom behind this planning. He will realize that we drink the milk that comes from their bellies, which means that it comes from what these cattle feed on and digest. Their special glands turn it into this tasty and highly beneficial fluid.
 
“You gain many other benefits from them.” These benefits are given first in this general statement, and then two are chosen for particular emphasis: “You eat of their flesh. By them, as by the ships you are carried.” Permission is given to man to eat of these animals, which include camels, oxen, sheep and goats, but man is forbidden to inflict pain on these animals or to torture them. Eating them provides real benefit, while torture and pain are only indicative of a sadistic nature. Causing pain and inflicting torture bring no benefit to man.
 
The sūrah compares man’s riding of animals and his being carried on board boats and ships. Both are made possible through the system God has perfected for this universe which organizes the functions of all creatures and establishes coherence and coordination between them all. It is the way God has made water, ships and the atmosphere around them both that allows ships to float on water. If the composition of any of the three alters or changes, it would not be possible for ships to travel the seas. People realized this very early in human life, and they continue to benefit by it.
 
All these are signs that lead to faith when they are properly understood. They are relevant to both the preceding and the following parts of the sūrah, and fit with them in perfect harmony.