Transliteration:( Innal laaha yumsikus samaawaati wal arda an tazoolaaa; wa la’in zaalataaa in amsa kahumaa min ahadim mim ba’dih; innahoo kaana Haleeman Ghafooraa )
"Indeed, Allah upholds the heavens and the earth lest they deviate [120], If they deviate there will be none to hold [121] them except Allah. Indeed, He is Allah, the Clement, All-Forgiving (122)."
This verse indicates that the earth and the sky remain fixed and are not in motion. Only the stars, the moon, and the sun are in motion, as confirmed in the Qur'an: “And each one is floating in its orbit” (S36:40). The term "deviate" here refers to moving away from their ordained positions or paths, whether in a natural or artificial way. Thus, ancient philosophies claiming the sky moves are incorrect, as is the modern theory that the earth itself moves.
No one else has the power to move the earth or the heavens from their appointed place or to restore them if they deviate. Only Allah alone maintains the stability and order of the entire universe.
Despite the polytheism and disobedience of the infidels, Allah Almighty continues to uphold the heavens and the earth, preventing chaos. This demonstrates His tolerance, compassion, and forgiveness. He does not hasten to punish the wrongdoers, but instead, shows patience and mercy. The attribute All-Forgiving emphasizes that Allah pardons many faults, offering mercy to His servants.
The tafsir of Surah Fatir verse 41 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Fatir ayat 40 which provides the complete commentary from verse 40 through 41.
(35:41) Surely Allah holds the heavens and the earth, lest they should be displaced there, for if they were displaced none would be able to hold them after Him.[69]Surely He is Most Forbearing, Most Forgiving.[70]
69. That is, this limitless universe is being sustained by Allah alone. No angel, or jinn, or prophet, or saint can sustain it. Not to speak of sustaining the universe these helpless creatures do not even have the power to sustain their own selves. Each one of them is entirely dependent on Allah Almighty for his birth and survival every moment. To think that any one of them has any share in the attributes and powers of divinity is sheer folly and deception.
70. That is, it is Allah’s Clemency and Forbearance that He is not seizing the culprits immediately in punishment in spite of All kinds of disobedience which are being shown towards Him.
[1256]- Refer to footnote in 2:225.
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