وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا 74
Translations
And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous."
Transliteration
Wa alladhina yaquluna rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a'yunin waj'alna lil-muttaqina imama
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous servants of Allah who supplicate to their Lord asking Him to grant them spouses and offspring who are a source of joy and comfort to their eyes. They further ask Allah to make them leaders and examples for the God-fearing (al-muttaqin). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, 'qurrat a'yunin' (coolness of the eyes) refers to delight and satisfaction, while seeking to be made 'imama' (leaders) means they aspire to be role models of piety and righteousness for the Muslim community. This supplication exemplifies the balanced Islamic perspective on family life combined with spiritual leadership.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan (revealed in Mecca), which emphasizes the characteristics of 'ibad ar-Rahman (servants of the Most Merciful). The surah describes the qualities of the righteous believers, and this verse is one of several that outline their virtuous attributes, particularly their devotion in prayer and supplication to Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said: 'When a man's child is born, he should name him/her well and teach him/her good manners, for he will be asked on the Day of Resurrection: What is your name and what is your father's name?' (Tabarani).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that seeking righteous spouses and virtuous children is a noble Islamic aspiration, but it should be coupled with the intention to become exemplary moral leaders ourselves. Muslims should understand that the purpose of family is not merely personal happiness, but also raising a generation that upholds Islamic values and serves as a beacon of righteousness for society.