Overall meaning : Do you not see that all creatures in the heavens and the earth glorify Allah and exalt Him beyond all defects and imperfections, and so do the birds as they spread out their wings in the sky? Each creature knows its manner of prayer and praise. He is fully aware of all their actions, and nothing whatsoever is hidden from Him. Allah alone who has sovereignty over the heavens and the earth, and to Him will all people be returned on Resurrection Day.
Do you not see that Allah drives the clouds by His power to wherever He wills, then gathers them together, then piles them up on top of each other, and you see rain coming forth from their midst?
And He sends down from the sky hail from dense masses of clouds as huge as mountains, striking with it whomever He wills and turning it away from whomever He wills. The flash of lightning in the clouds is so bright it almost takes away the onlookers’ sight. Allah alternates the night and the day and makes them different in terms of length and temperature, among many other things. Surely in this there is a clear sign of Allah’s power and a lesson for those endowed with deep insight.
Allah has created every moving, living creature from water. Some creep upon their bellies, such as serpents and reptiles; others walk on two legs, such as humans and birds; and others yet on four, such as grazing animals. Allah creates whatever He pleases. Allah has power over all things.
We have sent down the verses of the Qur’an, which are clear and clearly show the truth. Allah guides whomever He wills to the clear, straight path of Islam.