Surah ash-Shura (Consultation ) 42 : 33

Overview (Verses 32 - 35)

Control of Natural Laws

And among His signs are the ships that sail like floating mountains through the seas. If He wills, He stills the wind, and then they lie motionless on the surface of the sea. In this there are signs indeed for all who are patient in adversity and deeply grateful to God; or else He may cause them to perish because of what they have wrought and yet He forgives much. Let those who call Our messages into question know that there is no escape for them. (Verses 32-35)

Ships that traverse the sea are yet another of God's signs, just like mountains. It is a sign seen by all. They represent a phenomenon that is based on several factors each of which is a great sign put in place by God Almighty. Who created the sea? Can any human or any other creature claim that they made the sea? Who gave the sea its different characteristics: the density of its water, its depth and vast area allowing it to carry such large craft? Then what about the wind that moves the ships that were known to those who were the first to be addressed by the Qur'an; and what about other forces that man was subsequently able to use such as steam and nuclear power, and other forces God may place at man's disposal in future? Who has given these forces their qualities that make them able to move such huge ships in the sea, so that they look like mountains on its surface?

"If He wills, He stills the wind, and then they lie motionless on the surface of the sea." (Verse 33) The wind may die down at times and ships will lie motionless, as though life has departed from them. "In this there are signs indeed for all who are patient in adversity and deeply grateful to God." (Verse 33) The signs are both in making the ships sail across the sea and in leaving them motionless. Such signs are appreciated by everyone who is patient in adversity, thankful for blessings. Patience and gratitude are often mentioned together in the Qur'an, as they are interrelated qualities of believers in conditions of hardship and happiness.

"Or else He may cause them to perish because of what they have wrought." (Verse 34) He may cause the ships to be destroyed or drowned as a result of people's sins or deviation from the faith that all creatures acknowledge, with the exception of the unbelievers. "And yet He forgives much." (Verse 34) He certainly does not punish people for every sinful action they do. Instead, He pardons and forgives much.

"Let those who call Our messages into question know that there is no escape for them." (Verse 35) Should God want to smite them, destroy their ships or visit them with some other punishment, they simply have no means of escape. Thus they are made to know that whatever they possess of this life's riches, comforts and pleasures can always be taken away from them. The only thing that is stable in this present life is to maintain a close relation with God.