These large, powerful camels have been subdued by Allah for the benefit of His servants, so much so that even a small boy can lead one wherever he pleases. Yet if a camel were to rebel, no one could restrain it. For that reason, when a person mounts its back it is prescribed that he say, “Subhana alladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin” — “Glory be to the One who has subjected this to us, for we could never have mastered it” (al-Zukhruf 43:13). The phrase muqrinin means “able,” for a qarīn is one who is an equal or counterpart; thus the verse acknowledges that we would have had no power over these beasts had Allah not subjected them to us.

Allah has placed the camels at people’s service: some are ridden and made to carry loads, docile in doing so; others are slaughtered for food, from which people benefit. Further, they obtain from them milk and other uses; they make tents from their hides and, from their wool, hair and coarse fibers, household furnishings and goods to enjoy for a time — and there are many other magnificent signs embodied in these camels.

The second point of reflection is: “and at the sky — how it was raised.” This mighty sky Allah, Exalted is He, has lifted to a stupendous height beyond the reach of any creature. Even the jinn, for all their strength, say, “We used to sit in positions to eavesdrop, but whoever listens now finds a flaming meteor lying in wait for him” (al-Jinn 72:9). Allah also says, “We made the sky a well-guarded canopy” (al-Anbiyaʾ 21:32).

Contemplate, too, how He raised the heavens without pillars: “Allah is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see” (al-Raʿd 13:2) — you see them held aloft with no supports, so take heed. Within these vast heavens are many of Allah’s signs; they are