ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَـٰكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَوْتِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ 56
Translations
Then We revived you after your death that perhaps you would be grateful.
Transliteration
Thumma ba'athnaakum min ba'di mawtikum la'allakum tashkuroon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the resurrection of the Children of Israel after Allah caused them to die for a period as punishment for their transgression, then brought them back to life. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this incident occurred when the Israelites worshipped the golden calf, and Allah caused them to die for forty years before resurrecting them, so they might reflect upon Allah's power and give thanks for His mercy. The phrase 'so that you might be grateful' emphasizes the purpose of this miraculous revival—to inspire gratitude and recognition of divine authority.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion of the trials and miracles granted to the Children of Israel. It references a specific historical event mentioned in the Torah and Islamic tradition where the Israelites were punished for their idolatry with the golden calf. The broader context of these ayahs (2:50-71) recounts various signs and trials experienced by Bani Israel to demonstrate Allah's power and their obligation toward gratitude and obedience.
Related Hadiths
The event referenced is alluded to in various Islamic sources. Related to resurrection and gratitude, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever wakes up safely in his house, is in good health in his body, and has food for the day, it is as if the whole world has been given to him' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). This emphasizes gratitude for life and sustenance, themes central to this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that Allah's power over life and death is absolute, and that trials and afflictions often contain divine wisdom meant to awaken us to gratitude and obedience. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that every blessing—especially life itself—is a gift requiring thankfulness and that difficult circumstances may be opportunities for spiritual renewal and closer communion with the Divine.