ءَاخِذِينَ مَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ قَبْلَ ذَٰلِكَ مُحْسِنِينَ 16
Translations
Accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good.
Transliteration
Akhidhina ma ataahum Rabbuhum, innahum kanu qabla dhalika muhsinina
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous servants of Allah who take and utilize the blessings their Lord has given them. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to those who are grateful for Allah's provisions and use them in obedience to Him, having been characterized by ihsan (excellence in worship) and good deeds even before receiving these blessings. The emphasis on their previous righteousness indicates that their worthiness to receive divine bounties stems from their established piety and virtuous conduct.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Adh-Dhariyat's description of the characteristics of the servants of Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) in verses 15-19. The surah was revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam and contrasts the righteous believers with the disbelievers, emphasizing divine reward for those who maintain ihsan and gratitude.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Ihsan is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you' (Sahih Muslim 8). Additionally, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi) relates to the practical expression of ihsan mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true contentment with Allah's blessings comes from a foundation of sincere worship and righteous conduct; believers should strive for ihsan in all their deeds, knowing that their character and piety determine their worthiness of divine favor both in this world and the hereafter.