وَإِنْ أَدْرِى لَعَلَّهُۥ فِتْنَةٌ لَّكُمْ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ 111
Translations
And I know not; perhaps it is a trial for you and enjoyment for a time."
Transliteration
Wa-in adraa la'allahu fee fitnatan lakum wa mata'an ila heen
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expresses uncertainty about the prolonged worldly life granted to disbelievers, stating that their wealth and children may be a trial (fitnah) for the believers and a temporary enjoyment for themselves. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as the Prophet's humility in acknowledging that he does not know the hidden wisdom behind Allah's decree to grant respite to the deniers—their worldly provision serves as both a test for the faithful and a brief comfort before their ultimate accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Anbiya, which highlights the stories of various prophets and emphasizes divine wisdom and justice. The ayah reflects the Prophet's contemplation on why Allah permits the wealthy disbelievers to enjoy worldly blessings despite their rejection of faith, a common theme addressing the believers' concerns about the apparent triumph of evil in the material world.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2958) where the Prophet said, 'The greatest trial (fitnah) will be wealth and children,' directly relates to the concept of worldly possessions and offspring as tests mentioned in this ayah. Additionally, Surah Al-Kahf (18:46) complements this theme: 'Wealth and children are adornments of worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize that worldly wealth and success are transient blessings and potential tests from Allah, encouraging them to focus on spiritual preparation rather than being deceived by the material prosperity of the heedless. It also instills humility, reminding us that ultimate knowledge of divine purposes belongs to Allah alone.