Overall meaning : Reminding mankind of various types of bounties that He has bestowed upon then, Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, says: Allah has brought you out of your mothers’ wombs devoid of all knowledge, and He has given you hearing, sight and hearts so that you may give thanks to Him and worship Him alone.
Then He mentions another proof of His oneness and perfect power: Have they not seen the birds winging their way in the open heavens, subservient to Allah’s command? None keeps them aloft and holds them from falling but Allah. Surely in that there are signs and proofs of Allah’s oneness, perfect power, absolute wisdom and immense knowledge for people who believe in Allah and His messengers.
The Almighty goes on to mention different forms of His blessings on mankind, including the blessing of shelter: Allah has made your homes a place of rest and quiet to live in, and has made for you, out of the hides of grazing livestock, tents which are light for you to carry when you travel and when you camp; and out of their wool, fur, and hair He has provided you with furnishings for your homes and enjoyable comforts for a while.
He further mentions the blessing of shade, mountains and clothing: Allah has made for you, out of what He has created, things that provide you with shade that shelter you from the sun, such as trees, and has made for you, out of the mountains, caves and caverns in which you seek shelter if need be, for they provide protection for you from heat, cold, rain and enemies; and He has made for you garments to protect you from heat and cold, as well as coats of armour and shields to shield you in wars and protect you against the effects of weapons. Thus does He perfect His favours to you so that you fully submit to His will and worship Him alone.
Then, offering comfort to His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and helping make his heart firm, He says: If they turn away from you, Muhammad, and do not respond to your call, after all the signs and proofs they have seen, then there is no blame on you; for your only duty is to clearly deliver the message entrusted to you.
Then, mentioning the idolaters’ attitude towards His favours and blessings, He says: They are fully aware of Allah’s bounty, yet they deny it, and most of them are ungrateful.