Transliteration:( Wa maa zara a lakum fil ardi mukhtalifan alwaanuh; inna fee zaalika la Aayatal liqawminy yazakkaroon )
"And whatever He has scattered for you on the earth of varying colors [24]. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who remember [25]."
In the Sufi path, this verse is interpreted spiritually as referring to the heart's field, where flowers and fruits of faith blossom. These include Divine Love, love for the Holy Prophet ﷺ, and sincerity—all of which are beautiful, colorful manifestations of a spiritually awakened heart.
However, in the same heart, there can also appear thorns of infidelity, hypocrisy, sin, and disrespect. This duality reflects the creative power of Allah—just as the earth yields both flowers and thorns, so too does the human heart manifest both virtues and vices. Recognizing this contrast is a way to understand Divine Power and the delicate balance within the human soul.
The verse mentions remembrance (dhikr), but here it refers to a remembrance that is joined with deep reflection and contemplation. This is understood from the emphasis (tashdeed) on the letter Zāl in the Arabic word used.
Simple verbal remembrance is one thing, but thoughtful remembrance, which leads to insight, realization, and transformation, is a higher form of dhikr. It is this kind of remembrance that helps one see signs of Allah in creation and gain closeness to Him.
The tafsir of Surah An-Nahl verse 11 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Nahl ayat 10 which provides the complete commentary from verse 10 through 11.
(16:13) And there are also Signs for those who take heed in the numerous things of various colours that He has created for you on earth.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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