Tafsir of Al-`Ankabut 29:15

Al-Ankabut (The Spider): Verse 15

[...So We saved him and the companions of the Ark...]

Regarding the pronoun hā' (she/it) in the phrase {We made it} (ja'alnāhā), there are two interpretations:

1. It refers to the Ark (the ship) mentioned. Under this interpretation, there are several ways in which the Ark itself becomes a sign (āyah):
   • First: The Ark was built before the water appeared. If God had not informed Noah and commanded him to build it, he would not have engaged in that task, and thus salvation would not have been achieved.
   • Second: Noah was commanded to take his people aboard and stock provisions. No one expects a vast sea to dry up. The water subsided before the provisions ran out. If this had not happened, salvation would not have been achieved. Thus, salvation was by God's grace, not merely by the ship itself.
   • Third: God decreed the safety of the Ark from the violent winds and harmful creatures. If this protection had not been granted, salvation would not have been achieved.

2. It refers to the Event (the Flood) or the Salvation itself. In this case, the meaning is: "We made the event [the Flood] or the salvation a sign for all people."

[7] < { And [mention] Abraham when he said to his people, "Worship Allah and fear Him. That is best for you, if you should know." } >