فَأَرَدْنَآ أَن يُبْدِلَهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُ زَكَوٰةً وَأَقْرَبَ رُحْمًا 81
Translations
So we intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer to mercy.
Transliteration
Fa-aradna an yubdilahuma rabbuhuma khayran minhu zakawatan wa-aqraba ruhmaa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah, part of the story of Khidr and Musa (peace be upon them), explains that Allah intended to replace the two orphan children's inheritance with something better—greater in purity (zakah) and closer in mercy and righteousness. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Khidr's action of demolishing the wall was divinely ordained to protect the orphans' wealth from an unjust father, and Allah would grant them better provisions through legitimate means combined with moral integrity. The phrase 'closer in mercy' (aqrab ruhmaa) indicates that what Allah provides includes both material blessing and compassionate treatment from their community.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-82), which recounts Musa's journey with Khidr to learn hidden divine wisdom. The context here specifically addresses Khidr's fourth action—repairing the wall in a town whose people were stingy. This story was revealed to teach believers that divine wisdom sometimes appears contrary to surface understanding, and that Allah's plans contain hidden mercies and benefits for the righteous.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3395) records that Ibn Abbas explained this surah, highlighting how Allah's knowledge surpasses human understanding. Additionally, hadiths emphasizing trust in Allah's provision (tawakkul) are thematically related, such as those found in Jami' At-Tirmidhi regarding reliance on Allah's sustenance.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that what appears as loss or hardship may conceal Allah's mercy and better blessings, encouraging believers to trust in divine providence even when circumstances seem unclear, and to recognize that true wealth combines material provision with moral integrity and community compassion.