One doesn't have to physically see God to believe in him, as many polytheists and the atheists of present day desire. This is despite the fact that we are surrounded by innumerous signs and objects which are far from the imagination of any worldly architect or inventor to make.
For such people who do not accept the reality of Divine Being, we share two verses from Al Qur'an, which are considered to be among the Quran's most profound invitations to reflection. Rather than asking people to believe without thought, they encourage observation of the world and of ourselves.
The verses from Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:20–21)
These verses must be reflected upon with an unbiased microscope to really understand the hidden Divine wisdom. These are the 20th and 21st verses of Surah Adh-Dhariyat, the 51st Surah / Chapter of Al Qur'an:
"(20) And on the earth are signs for those of sure faith - (21 And in yourselves. Will you not then see?"
The context
These verses come after the Quran describes the qualities of the righteous (51:15–19), who are characterized by prayer, generosity, and mindfulness of God.
The surah then shifts to the question: Why should someone believe in God at all? Instead of pointing to a spectacular miracle, it directs attention to two places: (1) The earth, (2) The human being
The message is that evidence of God's wisdom and power is already all around us.
Explanation of the verses
1. "On the earth are signs..."
The Arabic word āyāt (آيات) means signs, indications, or evidence. The earth itself contains countless signs, such as:
- The balance of ecosystems,
- The water cycle,
- The diversity of plants and animals,
- The mountains, rivers, and oceans,
- The regularity of seasons,
- The suitability of the earth for human life.
The verse doesn't specify a list because it invites every generation to notice the signs available to them. What people could observe in the 7th century differs from what we can observe today with modern science, but the invitation to reflect remains the same.
According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, this verse highlights the infinite power, wisdom, and creativity of the Creator. He explains that the signs (Ayat) scattered across the earth—such as the vast landscapes, mountains, valleys, rivers, oceans, plants, and diverse animal species—are clear proofs of a Supreme Designer. Key points from the explanation include:
- Purpose of the Signs: These signs are designed to remove doubt and reinforce certainty in faith (Yaqeen). When a person of intellect observes the earth, they recognize it could not have come into existence without an All-Knowing Creator.
- Connection to the Hereafter: The verse is often linked to the preceding verses about the Day of Judgment. Just as Allah has the power to bring life to barren earth and create endless varieties of things, He possesses the absolute ability to resurrect the dead.
- Reflection on Creation: Looking at how the earth sustains life, provides nourishment, and functions in perfect balance serves as an undeniable reminder of Allah’s Lordship and the truth of His promises.
- By deeply observing the natural world, a believer's faith transforms from theoretical knowledge into absolute, unwavering certainty.
Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains this verse:
The signs imply those proofs which testify to the possibility and necessity of the Hereafter. The earth's own body and its structure, its having been placed at a suitable distance from the sun at a particular angle, the arrangement of heat and light and of different seasons on it, the provision of air and water on it, and of countless different kinds of treasures in its belly, covering its surface with a fertile crest and causing to grow in it an endless variety of vegetables, generating countless races of the animals of the land and water and air, providing suitable food and proper conditions for the life of every species, creating and making available all those means and resources on it even before the creation of man, so as to meet and suit his ever increasing needs in every stage of history as well as accord with the development of his civilization and way of living, these and countless other signs can be seen in the earth and its surroundings by every discerning eye. The case of the one who has closed the doors of his heart to belief and faith is different. He will see in these every thing else but not any sign that may point to the reality. But an un-prejudiced person who has an open mind, will never form the idea after observing these signs that all this has come about as the result of an accidental explosion, that had occurred suddenly in the universe millions of years ago; he will rather be convinced that this wise and perfect work of art is the creation of an Omnipotent and Omniscient God. And that God Who has made this earth cannot be helpless to resurrect man after death, nor can He be so foolish as to leave a sensible and intelligent being like man after granting him powers and authority to roam at will in His earth. The fact that man has been granted powers and authority by itself demands that he should be accountable; otherwise it would be against wisdom and justice; and the Creator's being all-powerful (Omnipotent) is by itself a proof that after the human species has fulfilled its function in the world, He can raise all its members back to life and gather them together from wherever they are lying dead in the catch for the purpose of accountability.
2. "And in yourselves"
This may be even more striking. The Quran directs us inward:
- Our ability to think and reason,
- Consciousness and self-awareness,
- Memory,
- Emotions,
- Language,
- The complexity of the human body,
- Birth, growth, aging, and death.
Classical scholars also understood this broadly to include the remarkable coordination of the body's organs and the way human beings are equipped for life.
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse calls humanity to reflect upon their own creation, bodies, and souls, which serve as undeniable proofs of a Creator.
- The Design of the Human Body: Ibn Kathir (and classical scholars) point out that the intricate, flawless design of human organs, limbs, and systems—such as hearing, seeing, and the brain—testifies to the boundless wisdom and power of Allah.
- Stages of Development: Contemplating the phases a human goes through—from a drop of fluid (nutfah) to a developing embryo, then to infancy, full adulthood, and old age—proves that there is an All-Knowing Creator fashioning and sustaining these changes.
- Diversity and Individuality: Despite the billions of people who have lived, no two individuals are exactly identical in appearance, temperament, or habits. This profound unity within diversity is a marvel of Allah's perfect creation.
- The Final Question: The verse concludes with a rhetorical if a man thinks of all phases he has passed through right from his birth till his death, he may perceive the power of Allah and realize that the human being is a "universe in miniature".
Note: Similar explanation has been given by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, though quite elaborate. Since it is very lengthy, it is not reproduced here. Those wanting an insight into explanation by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi may click on resources reference [1] given at the end of the post.
Today, advances in biology, neuroscience, and medicine reveal extraordinary complexity in the human body. The verse does not depend on scientific discoveries, but many readers see modern knowledge as expanding their appreciation of the "signs" the Quran points to.
3. "Will you not then see?"
The final question is rhetorical. The Arabic implies more than physical sight. It asks:
Will you not perceive? Will you not recognize what is before you?
The issue is not lack of evidence but whether people are willing to reflect on it.
What does it convey for us today?
1. Be observant rather than distracted
We live in an age of constant information and stimulation. These verses encourage intentional reflection instead of moving through life on autopilot.
2. Knowledge and faith need not be in conflict
The verses encourage studying the natural world. Throughout history, many Muslim scholars saw the investigation of nature as a way of appreciating God's creation. Whether one approaches these verses from a religious or academic perspective, they value careful observation and thoughtful inquiry.
3. Self-knowledge matters
The command to look "within yourselves" is also an invitation to examine our:
- Motives,
- Strengths and weaknesses,
- Moral choices,
- Dependence on others,
- Limits.
It suggests that understanding ourselves is part of understanding our place in the world.
4. Humility
The more we learn about the universe and about ourselves, the more we encounter complexity that invites humility. The verses encourage gratitude rather than arrogance in response to knowledge.
A deeper reflection
Notice that the verse does not say: "There are signs only in the heavens." - Instead, it points to what is closest: (1) the ground beneath your feet, (2) your own body and inner life.
The implication is that extraordinary evidence is found in ordinary experience, if we pay attention.
This fits beautifully with the overall message of Surah Adh-Dhariyat. The surah repeatedly argues that God's guidance is not disconnected from reality. The natural world, human nature, and history all contain patterns that point toward purpose, accountability, and the Creator. The question at the end of verse 21—"Will you not then see?"—is ultimately an invitation to cultivate insight: to look beyond the surface of everyday life and recognize meaning in what is already present.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may refer for more Selected Verses from Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt The Winnowing Winds, already published.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages:
- Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
- Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
- Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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