ثُمَّ أَمَاتَهُۥ فَأَقْبَرَهُۥ 21
Translations
Then He causes his death and provides a grave for him.
Transliteration
Thumma amatahu fa-aqbarahu
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Allah's power over life and death, stating that after giving life, Allah causes death and then provides burial/a grave for the deceased. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize this as evidence of Allah's complete dominion over all creation and the natural human cycle. The mention of burial (qabr) highlights Allah's provision for human dignity even after death, reflecting the Islamic emphasis on proper funeral rites and respect for the deceased.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah 'Abasa within a passage (80:17-22) that outlines the stages of human creation and life as evidence of Allah's power and wisdom. The surah was revealed in Mecca and addresses the disbelievers' denial of resurrection by presenting the observable miracle of human creation, sustenance, and the inevitability of death.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: a righteous child who makes dua for him, ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), or knowledge that benefits people' (Sahih Muslim 1631). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized proper burial as an act of kindness, saying the Muslim community should participate in funeral preparations.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us of our inevitable mortality and Allah's absolute control over life and death, encouraging humble submission to the Divine will. It also emphasizes that human dignity extends beyond life itself—Islam's attention to proper burial reflects respect for the deceased and acknowledgment of our temporary nature in this world.