Why words الْأَرْضَ and السَّمَاوَاتِ are in reverse order in Taha 4?
In Surah Taha, verse 4, the words الْأَرْضَ (the earth) and السَّمَاوَاتِ (the heavens) appear in the order "the heavens and the earth." This order can be understood in the context of the themes and messages conveyed in the verse.
The verse states: Indeed, it is a revelation from Him who created the earth and the heavens
20:4. Here, the mention of "the heavens" before "the earth" emphasizes the grandeur and majesty of the creation. Ibn Kathir explains that this order reflects the importance of the heavens, as they are often viewed as a symbol of divine power and authority. The heavens encompass the creation of stars and celestial bodies, while the earth serves as the foundation of human existence.
Moreover, the order can also be linked to the process of creation. In Islamic cosmology, the heavens are often seen as the initial creation, setting the stage for the earth, which is then populated by living beings. Thus, the reverse order serves to highlight the greater significance of the heavens in the context of divine creation.
Additionally, this arrangement is consistent with other verses in the Qur'an that refer to the heavens and the earth in a similar order, reinforcing the notion of the heavens as a starting point in the narrative of creation. This stylistic approach also aids in drawing attention to the power of Allah as the Creator, who encompasses all aspects of existence.
Sources
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20:4 · Taa-Haa
20:4 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
تَنزِيلًۭا مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ ٱلْأَرْضَ وَٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ ٱلْعُلَى
A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the high heavens,
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 20:4
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 20:4
Surah Ta-Ha (20) is classified as a Makkan revelation. Ibn Kathir relates a narration from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Abu Hurayra concerning the significance of the letters 'Ta-Ha'. The Prophet said that God recited these two letters before creating Adam by a thousand years, causing the angels to rejoice saying: 'Blessed is the servant upon whom this descends, blessed are the wombs that carry this, and blessed are the tongues that speak of this.' The authenticity of this narration is weak and its transmitters are debatable. Regarding the word 'Ta-Ha', Ibn Kathir presents the interpretation from Ibn Abbas and other early scholars who said that it means 'O man' or 'O human being' in an old Arabic dialect. This is supported by Mujahid, Ikrimah, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, Ata, Muhammad ibn Ka'b, Abu Malik, Atiyyah al-Awfi, Hasan, Qatadah, Al-Dahhak, Al-Suddi, and Ibn Abza, all of whom agreed that 'Ta-Ha' is an address meaning 'O man'. Some narrations add the nuance that it is a foreign (Nabatean) word adapted into Arabic. Ibn Kathir cites a report from Rabbi ibn Anas via Al-Qadi Iyad about the Prophet’s prayer gesture in which God revealed the opening words 'Ta-Ha. We have not sent down to you the Qur’an to cause you distress...' implying that 'Ta-Ha' means 'tread on the earth, O Muhammad'. This signifies that the Qur’an was revealed not to burden or distress the Prophet but as a mercy and clear guidance. The verse 'We did not send down on you the Qur'an to distress you' was revealed in response to the claim by Quraysh polytheists that the Qur’an was sent to make the Prophet miserable. However, God clarifies its purpose is to remind those who fear Him. The commentary emphasizes that the Qur’an was sent by the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who fully knows the hidden and most secret matters. Ali ibn Abi Talhah quoted Ibn Abbas in explaining that 'He knows the secret and the most hidden' means God understands what a person secretly conceals in his heart and what is yet unknown to him about his own actions, encompassing all knowledge in existence. The phrase 'The Most Merciful established Himself on the Throne' is noted as previously explained in Surah Al-A'raf. The correct method is accepting it without distortion, likening, negation, or anthropomorphism. 'To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth and whatever is between them and whatever is beneath the soil' means absolute ownership and control over all creation, under His will and command. This includes what lies under the seventh earth (as per some narrations) and various layers beneath the ground, including unseen realms described in some weak or disputed traditions. Finally, the verse’s end highlights that God alone has the best names and attributes. This underlines the unique divinity and majesty of the One who revealed the Qur’an. In summary, this tafsir elucidates the meanings of 'Ta-Ha' as an address to the Prophet, the reassurance that the Qur’an was not sent to cause hardship but as mercy and guidance, the comprehensive knowledge and sovereignty of God, and the affirmation of His unique names and attributes. Weak or disputable narrations are noted but do not form a basis for creed or law.
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