A Critique and Analysis of the Opinions of Commentators on the Interpretation of “And there is no animal that walks upon the earth nor a bird that flies with its two wings but (they are) genera like yourselves (Surah al-Ana’m: 38).

The clause “… and there is no animal that walks upon the earth nor a bird that flies with its two wings but (they are) genera like yourselves.” in the 38th verse of Surah al-Ana’m is one of the controversial issues among the commentators of the Quran. Some of them have interpreted it considering the preceding verses and have taken it as a proof of the power of God in the revelation of the verse requested by the infidels. Some others have interpreted it independently and have considered such features as similarity between man and other beings in being creatures, knowing God and worshiping Him, the recording of deeds for the day of Resurrection, being an ummah and having social life, guidance, etc. which are common to man and animals. Paying attention to the relationship between this verse and the preceding verses and also considering the meaning of the word ‘omam’ (communities) highlights the issue of scientific miracle in this verse and demonstrates that animals’ being omam and their social interactions can be the same verse requested by the infidels. However, as the 37th verse says, “But most of them do not know”.