لَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِۦٓ أَزْوَٰجًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَٱخْفِضْ جَنَاحَكَ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 88
Translations
Do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [certain] categories of them [i.e., the disbelievers], and do not grieve over them. And lower your wing [i.e., show kindness] to the believers.
Transliteration
Lā tamuddanna ʿaynayaka ilā mā mattaʿnā bihī ʾazwājan minhum wa-lā taḥzan ʿalayhim wa-akhfid janāḥaka lil-muʾminīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commands Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not to extend his gaze with envy toward the worldly luxuries bestowed upon the wealthy disbelievers, nor to grieve over their rejection of faith. Instead, he is instructed to lower his wing (show humility and gentleness) toward the believers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah teaches that the Prophet should not covet material possessions of others and should focus on treating the faithful with kindness and compassion, as true honor lies in piety rather than wealth.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Mecca during a period when the Prophet faced opposition from wealthy Meccan elites who rejected Islam. The broader context of Surah Al-Hijr addresses the Prophet's patience and steadfastness, reminding him that worldly possessions are temporary and that his mission is spiritual, not material.
Related Hadiths
The Messenger of Allah said, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895), which relates to the command of showing kindness (lowering the wing) to believers. Also relevant: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Quran 18:46), emphasizing the transience of material wealth.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers not to be consumed by envy of others' wealth or status, but instead to cultivate genuine compassion and humility toward fellow Muslims. True greatness lies not in accumulating material possessions but in moral conduct and service to the faith community.