“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned, so that He may let them taste something of the consequences of what they have done, that perhaps they may return.” (41)

Allah—exalted is He—says, “Corruption has appeared on land and sea,” meaning drought and scant vegetation. By “land,” He means the open countryside and wastelands; and by “sea,” the cities and villages situated beside flowing waters. Ikrimah said: “The Arabs call a city a sea. They say, ‘The land has suffered drought, and the resources of the sea have been cut off.’” (1) “Because of what people’s hands have earned,” that is, because of the evil consequences of their sins.

Atiyyah and others said: “Land” means the surface of the earth, whether in settled regions or elsewhere, while “sea” means the sea as it is commonly known. Just as a lack of rain affects the land, it also affects the sea, leaving the interiors of shells empty. For when rain falls, the shell rises to the surface of the sea and opens its mouth; whatever rain falls into its mouth becomes a pearl.

Ibn Abbas, Ikrimah, and Mujahid said: Corruption on land was one of Adam’s sons killing his brother, while corruption at sea was the seizure of a ship by an unjust king.

Al-Dahhak said: The earth was once verdant and splendid: whenever a son of Adam came to a tree, he would find fruit upon it. The water of the sea was fresh, and lions did not prey upon cattle or sheep. But when Cain killed Abel, the earth shuddered, the trees became thorny, the water of the sea became salty and intensely bitter, and animals began to prey upon one another. (2)

Qatadah said: This was before the mission of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when the earth was filled with injustice and misguidance. Then, when Allah sent Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, some people turned back in repentance because of the sins their hands had committed—meaning the disbelievers of Mecca. (3)

“So that He may let them taste something of what they have done,” that is, the punishment for some of the sins they have committed; “that perhaps they may return,” from disbelief and their wicked deeds.