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.