Surah an-Nahl (The Bee ) 16 : 8

Explanatory Note

“And He creates things of which you have no knowledge.” (Verse 8)

This sentence comments on the creation of cattle, horses, mules and asses and the different uses to which they are put and the benefits they provide. Thus it invites people’s imagination to look beyond their immediate environment and the time in which they live. Beyond what exists at a particular location and in a particular time there are other forms and types of life. God wants people to expect this so as to broaden their vision. He also wants them to accept such other forms of life when they are available. They must not refuse to benefit by such new types, saying that they will only use the cattle, horses, mules and asses their fathers used. Similarly, no one should be so rigid as to say that since the Qur’ān only mentioned these, no other form of transport can be used.

Islam is open minded and flexible. It equips its followers with the ability to use all potentials and resources that are available at any time. The Qur’ān thus prepares people’s minds and hearts to receive whatever God creates and science discovers or produces in the future. A proper Islamic conscience is always ready to accept any new remarkable addition to God’s creation or to scientific discovery. Over the years many new means of riding and carrying loads have been added, as well as many objects of beauty. None of these were known to people when the Qur’ān was revealed. There will be many more which are unknown to us. The Qur’ān prepares us to accept these without difficulty by stating that God “creates things of which you have no knowledge.” (Verse 8)