Tafseer Ibn Kathir of ADZ DZAARIYAAT [47]

47. With Hands We constructed the heaven. Verily, We are able to expand the vastness of space thereof. 48. And We have made the earth a Firash; how excellent spreader (thereof) are We! 49. And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember. 50. So, flee to Allah. Verily, I am a plain warner to you from Him. 51. And set not up any other god along with Allah. Verily, I am a plain warner to you from Him. Allah reminds us of the creating of the higher and lower worlds,

(We constructed the heaven.) meaning, `We made it as a high roof, protected from falling,'

(with Hands), meaning, with strength, according to `Abdullah bin `Abbas, Mujahid, Qatadah, Ath-Thawri and several others,

(Verily, We are able to extend the vastness of space thereof.) means, `We made it vast and We brought its roof higher without pillars to support it, and thus it is hanging independently.'

(And We have made the earth a Firash), meaning, `We have made it a resting place for the created,'

(how excellent a spreader (thereof) are We!), meaning, `We spread it for its inhabitants,'

(And of everything We have created pairs,) meaning, all the created are in pairs, the heaven and earth, night and day, sun and moon, land and sea, light and darkness, faith and disbelief, death and life, misery and happiness, Paradise and Fire, in addition to the animals and plants. The statement of Allah the Exalted,

(that you may remem- ber.) and know that the Creator, Allah, is One without partners,

(So, flee to Allah.) meaning, seek shelter with Him and trust in Him in all of your affairs,

(Verily, I am a plain warner to you from Him. And set not up any other god along with Allah.) do not associate any partners with Him,

(Verily, I am a plain warner to you from Him.)