وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ 201
Translations
But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
Transliteration
Wa minhum man yaqoolu rabbana atina fi ad-dunya hasanatan wa fi al-akhirati hasanatan wa qina adhaba an-nar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes believers who supplicate to Allah with balanced worldly and spiritual concerns, asking for goodness in this life and the Hereafter while seeking protection from Hellfire. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents the ideal du'a of a believer—one who neither neglects material needs nor prioritizes the dunya over the Akhirah, demonstrating comprehensive reliance on Allah's mercy and wisdom. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that 'hasanah' (goodness) encompasses both physical provision and spiritual excellence in both realms.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the context of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion of believers and their characteristics. It follows verses about those who spend in charity and maintain faith, illustrating the spiritual maturity of believers who understand that true success requires balancing material sustenance with eternal salvation. The surah's Medinan context reflects guidance for the developing Muslim community on proper priorities and values.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best du'a is du'a on the day of Arafah, and the best thing said by me and the prophets before me is: There is none worthy of worship but Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is over all things omnipotent' (Tirmidhi). Also related: 'Whoever seeks the Hereafter, Allah will give him the dunya as well' (Muslim), emphasizing the balance this ayah teaches.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate balanced priorities in their supplications and lives—seeking Allah's provision for earthly needs while maintaining focus on eternal salvation, understanding that spiritual success encompasses both realms. This ayah teaches that the most effective du'a acknowledges human need for material sustenance while recognizing that ultimate fulfillment comes through obedience to Allah and protection from His punishment.