ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ 2
Translations
[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -
Transliteration
Al-ladhi khalaqa al-mawta wa-al-hayata liyabluwakum ayyukum ahsan amalan wa-huwa al-azizu al-ghafur
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that Allah alone has created both death and life as a test to determine who among you performs the best deeds. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that the creation of both states serves as the ultimate examination of human character and obedience. The ayah concludes by affirming Allah's might (al-Aziz) and mercy (al-Ghafur), indicating that while He tests through trials, He remains capable of forgiving those who repent and perform righteous deeds.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Mulk is a Meccan chapter that emphasizes Allah's absolute sovereignty and creative power. This ayah appears in the opening section of the surah, which establishes the foundational theme: that all creation reflects divine wisdom and serves as a test for humanity. The surah was revealed to strengthen the believers' faith in monotheism and Allah's dominion.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized: 'Indeed, the most beloved of you to Allah and the nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who are best in character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2018).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that life itself is a divine examination where the quality and sincerity of our actions matter more than worldly success or duration of life. We should strive to perform deeds that please Allah while maintaining hope in His mercy, knowing that both our trials and our capacity to do good come from Him alone.