كُلًّا نُّمِدُّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَهَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ مِنْ عَطَآءِ رَبِّكَ ۚ وَمَا كَانَ عَطَآءُ رَبِّكَ مَحْظُورًا 20
Translations
To each [category] We extend - to these and to those - from the gift of your Lord. And never has the gift of your Lord been restricted.
Transliteration
Kullan numdiddu haa'ulaai wa haa'ulaai min 'ataa'i rabbika wa maa kaana 'ataa'u rabbika mahzuura
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah provides sustenance and blessings to both the righteous and the unrighteous in this worldly life, as a test and trial for each. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that the provision of worldly goods is not necessarily a sign of divine favor or disfavor, but rather part of Allah's wisdom in testing His servants. The phrase 'wa maa kaana 'ataa'u rabbika mahzuura' (and the giving of your Lord is not restricted) underscores that Allah's bounty is unlimited and accessible to all, contingent on His will.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Isra's discussion of human diversity and Allah's justice. It follows verses discussing the different paths people take and reinforces the Quranic theme that material prosperity in this world does not determine one's spiritual station or ultimate salvation. The broader context emphasizes that true success lies in obedience to Allah, not in worldly abundance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1162), reminding us that virtue, not wealth, determines worth. Additionally, 'Wealth and children are adornments of this life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Quran 18:46, related hadith tradition in various sources).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should not judge their spiritual standing or others' by material wealth or poverty, as Allah tests different people with different circumstances. True success lies in righteous conduct and faith, not in the abundance of worldly possessions.
Related Ayahs
يَوْمَ نَدْعُوا۟ كُلَّ أُنَاسٍۭ بِإِمَـٰمِهِمْ ۖ فَمَنْ أُوتِىَ كِتَـٰبَهُۥ بِيَمِينِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَقْرَءُونَ كِتَـٰبَهُمْ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا
[Mention, O Muḥammad], the Day We will call forth every people with their record [of deeds]. Then whoever is given his record in his right hand - those will read their records, and injustice will not be done to them, [even] as much as a thread [inside the date seed].
قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِۦ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا
Say, "Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way."
أَفَأَصْفَىٰكُمْ رَبُّكُم بِٱلْبَنِينَ وَٱتَّخَذَ مِنَ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنَـٰثًا ۚ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَقُولُونَ قَوْلًا عَظِيمًا
Then, has your Lord chosen you for [having] sons and taken [i.e., adopted] from among the angels daughters? Indeed, you say a grave saying.
وَمِنَ ٱلَّيْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُودًا
And from [part of] the night, pray with it [i.e., recitation of the Qur’ān] as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.