Tafsir of Al-Teen 95:4

Surah At-Tin (The Fig): Verse 4

(4) لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ

The meaning intended by al-Insan (mankind) here is this essential nature (essence).

And taqwim (best stature/form) means adjusting something so that it is in the proper state regarding harmony and balance. It is said: Qawwamtuhu taqwiman (I set him straight in a straight manner), and so it became straight (istqama) and yataqawwam (it straightens itself).

They mentioned several interpretations regarding the explanation of this:

1. One view: Allah created every living being bent over on its face, except for mankind, whom Allah created tall of stature, able to reach his food with his hand.
2. Another view (attributed to al-Asamm): He was created with the most complete intellect, understanding, etiquette, knowledge, and eloquence.

The summary is that the first view relates to the external form, while the second relates to the inner conduct/disposition.

It is narrated from Yahya ibn Aktham al-Qadi that he interpreted taqwim as beautiful form. He recounted that the king of his time was alone with his wife on a moonlit night and said: "If you are not more beautiful than the moon, then [I have sworn falsely]." All the scholars ruled that the oath was broken (hanith), except for Yahya ibn Aktham, who ruled that the oath was not broken. When asked why he differed from his elders, he replied: "Rulings are given based on knowledge, and indeed, the One more knowledgeable than us—Allah Almighty—has ruled, as He says: {We have certainly created man in the best of stature}."

Some pious people used to say: "Our God, You gave us the best forms in the first [life], so grant us the best deeds in the Hereafter," referring to forgiveness of sins and overlooking faults.

{ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَاهُ أَسْفَلَ سَافِلِينَ} {Then We return him to the lowest of the low.}

As for His saying, the Almighty: {Then We return him to the lowest of the low}...