16:14
It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye
may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that
ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.
The following taken from “Tafsir ibn Kathir” under the
commentary of the above verse, pg. 22:
“And He it is Who subjected the sea (to you), that you may eat from the fresh tender meat, and that you bring forth out ofit ornaments to wear.
And you see the ships plowing through it,
The passage describes how God has subjected the seas for the benefit of humanity. The oceans, with their waves and vast expanse, are portrayed as part of a system through which God provides sustenance and opportunity for human beings. Marine life such as fish and whales is presented as a source of food, with their consumption permitted under various circumstances, including when individuals are in a state of iḥrām. In addition to food, the oceans contain valuable resources such as pearls and precious jewels, which people are able to recover and use as adornments.
The seas are also described as facilitating travel and commerce. Ships move across the waters, enabling people to journey between distant regions and transport goods from one place to another. According to the tradition referenced in the passage, the knowledge of shipbuilding traces back to the Prophet Noah (Nūḥ), who is said to have been the first to construct and sail a ship after being taught this skill. Over time, this knowledge was passed down through successive generations, allowing societies to develop maritime travel and trade. These provisions are presented as manifestations of divine bounty, encouraging human beings to recognize these blessings and respond with gratitude.
References:
Abd-Allah, Muhamed. 323 Verses on Science in the Quran . Kindle Edition.
Kathir, Ibn. Tafsir Ibn Kathir. (surah 16 p. 22). Tafseer Ibn Kathir (English, 114 Surah’s Complete) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive