Transliteration:( Wa alqaa fil ardi rawaasiya an tameeda bikum wa anhaaranw wa sublulal la 'allakum tahtadoon )
"And He has set firm mountains in the earth so that it does not shake [31] with you, and rivers and paths so that you may be guided."
This verse indicates that the earth remains stable due to the firm mountains Allah has placed upon it—similar to anchors that stabilize a ship. Just as anchors prevent ships from drifting, mountains prevent the earth from shaking violently, allowing for a habitable and steady environment for life.
According to Islamic cosmology, the earth does not move, but instead, the stars rotate, just like a swimmer moving through water. This is supported by the Qur'anic verse:
"And each one is floating in the orbit" (S36:V40).
According to Roohul Bayaan, the total number of mountains across the earth is six thousand six hundred and seventy-three, and this does not include hills, further reflecting the precision and balance in Allah's creation.
The tafsir of Surah An-Nahl verse 15 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Nahl ayat 14 which provides the complete commentary from verse 14 through 18.
(16:15) And He has placed firm mountains on the earth lest it should move away from you,[12] and has made rivers and tracks[13] that you may find your way,
12. This shows that the real function of mountains is to regulate the motion and speed of the earth. We have come to this conclusion, for the Quran has made this benefit of mountains very prominent in many places. Therefore, their other benefits should be regarded as incidental.
13. Natural ways are those routes which are formed along the banks of streams, ravines and rivers. Though the importance of these ways is great even in the plains, one feels their sore need, especially in the mountainous regions.
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