Adornment
\r\n Al-Kahf (The Cave) - Chapter 18: Verses 7-8
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"Surely We made whatsoever is on the earth an adornment for it, that We may try them as to which of them is most virtuous in deed. And surely we shall make whatsoever is upon it a barren plain!"
The earth is "adorned" by the various phenomena found upon it or in it, including its flora and fauna and its precious gold and metals. Adornment may also refer to humanity, which al-Razi considers to be the noblest of creatures on the earth. According to Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, the "adornment" of the earth is a means by which God tries human beings with regard to their ability to maintain an attitude of detachment and ascetism toward the world. That God shall make whatever is upon it, that is, the earth, a barren plain indicates that none of its adornments will endure forever, but will come to end and return to God. All upon it (the earth) passes away.
\r\nCompiled From:
\r\n "The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary" - Seyyed Hossein Nasr