and pearls, and their garments therein will be of silk.”

A better explanation is that protection against cold has already been mentioned at the beginning of the surah, in His words:

“And He created the livestock for you; in them are warmth and other benefits, and from them you eat.”

One may ask: Why were these mentioned separately? The answer—and Allah knows best—is that the beginning of the surah mentions the essential blessings without which people cannot live: food, plain drinking water, protection against cold, and riding animals indispensable for travel. Towards its end, He mentions blessings that complete these: pleasant drinks, dwelling in houses and hide tents, taking shelter in the shade, and garments that protect against heat and the dangers of battle. These can, generally speaking, be dispensed with. Thus, the beginning mentions the essentials, while the end mentions what completes them. This is why He says:

“Thus He perfects His favour upon you, so that you may submit to Him.”

Furthermore, dwellings have two benefits. The first is living in them for privacy; in this respect, they resemble clothing worn for adornment. The second is protection against harm from the sun, rain, wind and the like. Allah mentions both when reminding people of His blessings, saying:

“And Allah has made your homes a place of rest for you.”

These are earthen houses.

“And He has made for you, from the hides of livestock, dwellings that you find light to carry on the day you travel and the day you settle.”

These are tents supported by poles.

“And from their wool, fur and hair, furnishings and articles for use for a time.”

This includes household equipment such as rugs, containers, coverings and the like. He said, “Your homes a place of rest,” rather than “houses out of earth,” whereas He said, “from the hides of livestock, dwellings.” This is because rest explains the benefit of a house, thereby making the blessing apparent; and building