ثُمَّ يَطْمَعُ أَنْ أَزِيدَ 15
Translations
Then he desires that I should add more.
Transliteration
Thumma yatma'u an azid
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to a disbeliever who, after receiving blessings and wealth from Allah, desires even more worldly riches rather than turning to gratitude and faith. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this reflects human greed and ingratitude—the person hopes Allah will continue increasing their material wealth despite their rejection of faith, demonstrating the spiritual disease of endless desire disconnected from obedience to Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Muddaththir addresses those who reject the message of the Prophet (ﷺ) despite clear signs. This ayah appears within a passage describing the arrogance and greed of a wealthy disbeliever (traditionally interpreted as referencing 'Utbah ibn Abi Lahab or similar figures), illustrating how wealth without faith becomes a means of spiritual destruction rather than blessing.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'If the son of Adam had two valleys of gold, he would wish for a third.' (Sahih Bukhari 6437). This hadith directly mirrors the theme of endless desire critiqued in this ayah, showing how human nature inclines toward insatiable greed.
Themes
Key Lesson
True contentment and spiritual growth come not from accumulating more wealth, but from grateful recognition of Allah's blessings and sincere submission to His guidance—otherwise, even increasing riches become instruments of spiritual ruin.