وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحْيَاكُمْ ثُمَّ يُمِيتُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُحْيِيكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَكَفُورٌ 66
Translations
And He is the one who gave you life; then He causes you to die and then will [again] give you life. Indeed, mankind is ungrateful.
Transliteration
Wa huwa alladhī ahyākum thumma yumītukum thumma yuhyīkum. Inna al-insāna la-kafūr.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes Allah's absolute power over life and death, stating that He gives life, then causes death, and will resurrect humanity on the Day of Judgment. The verse concludes by highlighting humanity's ingratitude (kufr) despite these clear signs of divine power and mercy. Ibn Kathir notes this ayah refutes those who deny resurrection by pointing to the observable cycle of life and death in creation, while Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that human ingratitude persists even when confronted with such undeniable proofs of Allah's dominion.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Medinan surah Al-Hajj, which addresses fundamental Islamic beliefs including tawhid, resurrection, and the hajj pilgrimage. The verse is part of a broader section (22:58-66) that emphasizes monotheism and Allah's sovereignty. It contextually responds to those who deny the resurrection and divine power, common objections addressed throughout the Meccan and Medinan periods.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of supplications is that on the day of Arafat, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is: There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Quranic theme of resurrection is reinforced in numerous ahadith about the Day of Judgment, such as those found in Sahih Bukhari regarding the signs of the Hour.
Themes
Key Lesson
This verse invites profound reflection on Allah's complete control over existence and our inevitable return to Him, serving as a reminder that ingratitude despite clear divine signs distances us from our Creator. Modern readers should recognize that acknowledging Allah's power over life and death cultivates humility, gratitude, and proper perspective on worldly attachments.