Tafsir of Ad-Dhariyat 51:22

Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51): Verse 22

{And in the heaven is your provision...} (Wa fī as-samā’i rizqukum)

There are several interpretations regarding this verse:

1. The Clouds: It refers to the clouds from which rain descends.
2. Decreed: It means your provision is written (decreed) in the heaven.
3. Source of Provision: The decree of all provisions originates from the heaven; without it, not a single grain of sustenance would be found on earth.

The arrangement of these three preceding verses (And in the earth are signs..., And in yourselves are signs..., And in the heaven is your provision...) is excellent.

Man requires things in a specific sequence for his existence and continuation:

1. Prerequisite Existence: Things that must precede his own creation. The Earth is the place and the necessity for man, so it is mentioned first: {And in the earth are signs...}
2. Coexisting Elements: Things within his own being (body and attributes) that exist concurrently with him: {And in yourselves...}
3. Sustaining Elements: Things that follow and ensure his continued existence, which is provision: {And in the heaven is your provision...} Without the heaven (rain/source of sustenance), people would not survive.

{...and that which you are promised.} (Wa mā tū‘adūn)

There are several interpretations for this phrase as well:

1. Paradise: It refers to Paradise, which is promised, as it is located in the heaven.
2. General Warning/Promise: It relates to the concept of I‘ād (promising/warning). The passive form (tū‘adūn) can derive from aw‘ada (to promise/warn). Thus, it refers to what you are promised, whether it is Paradise and Hellfire (as mentioned in the context of the Fire in verse 13 and Paradise in verse 15), making it a general promise/warning.

If it refers specifically to the punishment, then the address is directed towards the disbelievers. It is as if God Almighty is saying:

• For the firm believers, the signs in the Earth are sufficient.
• As for you, O disbelievers, the signs in your own selves are the clearest signs, yet you deny them for the fleeting gains of this world and the love of leadership.
• In the heaven is your provision. If you truly looked and reflected deeply, you would not abandon the Truth for the sake of provision, as it reaches you by every path. You would also avoid falsehood out of fear of what you are promised (the punishment that will descend).

Then the Almighty said: