[16–20] “We have indeed placed constellations in the sky and adorned it for those who behold it. We have guarded it from every accursed devil, except one who steals a hearing, whereupon a clearly visible flame pursues him. As for the earth, We have spread it out, cast firm mountains upon it, and caused every kind of thing to grow therein in due measure. We have placed therein means of livelihood for you and for those whom you do not provide.”
The Most High says, declaring the perfection of His power and His mercy toward His creation: “We have indeed placed constellations in the sky”; that is, stars like lofty towers and immense landmarks, by which people find their way through the darkness of land and sea. “And adorned it for those who behold it.” Were it not for the stars, the sky would not possess this splendid appearance and wondrous form. This invites those who behold it to contemplate it, reflect upon its significance, and take it as evidence of its Creator.
“We have guarded it from every accursed devil.” Whenever a devil attempts to eavesdrop, piercing flames pursue him. Thus the sky remains adorned outwardly with radiant stars, while inwardly it is guarded and protected against harm.
“Except one who steals a hearing”; that is, at times, some devils may secretly and furtively steal a hearing. “Whereupon a clearly visible flame pursues him”; that is, a bright, manifest flame that either kills or deranges him. The flame may overtake him before he can convey what he heard to his ally, thereby cutting off news from heaven from the earth. Or he may cast it to his ally before the flame overtakes him, whereupon the ally incorporates it and adds a hundred lies to it, using that one word heard from heaven as proof.
“As for the earth, We have spread it out”; that is, We made it sufficiently vast for human beings and all animals to move throughout its expanses, obtain its provisions, and dwell in its various regions.
“And cast firm mountains upon it”; that is, immense mountains which, by Allah’s permission, keep the earth from swaying and hold it firm lest it shift. “And caused every kind of thing to grow therein in due measure”; that is, everything beneficial and valuable that people and lands cannot do without, including date palms, grapevines, various kinds of trees, and all manner of plants.
“We have placed therein means of livelihood for you,” including cultivation, livestock, and various trades and crafts. “And for those whom you do not provide”; that is, We have blessed you with male and female slaves and livestock for your benefit and welfare. You are not responsible for providing their sustenance; rather, Allah has placed them at your disposal and guaranteed their provision.