Transliteration:( Wa Huwal lazeee anzala minas samaaa'i maaa'an fa akhrajnaa bihee nabaata kulli shai'in fa akhrajnaa minhu khadiran nukhriju minhu habbam mutaraakibanw wa minan nakhli min tal'ihaa qinwaanun daaniyatunw wa jannaatim min a'naabinw wazzaitoona warrummaana mushtabihanw wa ghaira mutashaabih; unzurooo ilaa samariheee izaaa asmara wa yan'ih; inna fee zaalikum la Aayaatil liqawminy yu'minoon )
"He brought forth everything of growth [215], and out of it, We brought forth the green (foliage) from which We bring forth clustered grains, and from the sheaths of the palms, the bunches closer to one another [216], and gardens of grapes and olives and pomegranates [217], similar in some respects and different in others [218]. Look at it when it bears fruit and its ripening. Indeed, there are signs in it for the people who believe [219]."
This verse describes how all vegetation and natural growth comes forth due to divine intervention, through water and natural processes. Sufi sages interpret this as a spiritual truth—just as grain cannot grow without water, righteous deeds cannot blossom without the blessings of the Prophets and saints. Iblis (Satan) had acts of worship, but they bore no fruit because they lacked the “water of Prophethood.”
The “clustered grains” from green plants, like wheat and barley, and the close bunches of dates, illustrate divine planning and organized nourishment. These symbolize how revelation gives rise to fruitful outcomes in a structured and interconnected way, just like knowledge and wisdom come from divine guidance.
The gardens of grapes, olives, and pomegranates reflect not just physical sustenance, but spiritual symbolism. Just as food nourishes the body, Shari’ah (divine law) is spiritual nourishment, and Tariqat (the spiritual path) is the sweet fruit of that growth. One is for discipline, the other for delight and realization.
Despite trees looking similar in form, their flowers and fruits differ widely. This is a metaphor for human beings—external appearances can be deceptive. Two people may seem alike, but one may be a Prophet, saint, or scholar, while the other is misguided or sinful. Just as gold and brass shine similarly but differ in essence, so do the righteous and the unrighteous differ despite outward similarity.
The command to “look at it when it bears fruit” is both literal and metaphorical. The ripening of fruit is a reminder of resurrection, for He who brings ripeness from seed can bring life from death. It also hints at the growth of Islamic civilization through one Prophet, yielding thousands of saints, scholars, and sages—a spiritual orchard blossoming through the water of divine guidance.
The tafsir of Surah Al-Anam verse 99 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Anam ayat 98 which provides the complete commentary from verse 98 through 99.
(6:99) And it is He Who has sent down water from the heavens, and thereby We have brought vegetation of every kind, and out of this We have brought forth green foliage and then from it close-packed ears of corn, and out of the palm-tree from the sheath of it – thick clustered dates, hanging down with heaviness, and gardens of vines, and the olive tree, and the pomegranate – all resembling one another and yet so different. Behold their fruit when they bear fruit and ripen! Surely, in all this there are signs for those who believe.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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