قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَصْبَحَ مَآؤُكُمْ غَوْرًا فَمَن يَأْتِيكُم بِمَآءٍ مَّعِينٍۭ 30
Translations
Say, "Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?"
Transliteration
Qul ara'aytum in asbaha ma'aukum ghaura faman ya'teekum bima'in ma'een
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a rhetorical question challenging the disbelievers to consider their dependence on Allah for basic sustenance—specifically water. The Prophet (ﷺ) is instructed to ask them: if your water sources were to sink deep into the earth and become inaccessible (ghaur), who could bring you flowing water in its place? According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this serves as a powerful reminder of human helplessness and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that no one but Allah can restore what He withholds, thereby refuting polytheism and establishing tawhid (monotheism).
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Mulk, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes Allah's absolute sovereignty and power over creation. The surah consistently uses examples from the natural world to challenge the Meccan disbelievers' rejection of monotheism and their attribution of partners to Allah. This particular ayah fits the surah's theme by highlighting human vulnerability and divine control over essential resources.
Related Hadiths
The theme of dependence on Allah for water is echoed in numerous hadiths; notably, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of water in ablution and purification. A related hadith in Sahih Bukhari mentions the Prophet's teachings on the significance of water as a divine blessing. Additionally, hadiths about trusting Allah (tawakkul) in sustenance are thematically connected.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us profound humility and gratitude by reminding us that even our most basic needs—like access to water—depend entirely on Allah's will and mercy. In our modern context, it encourages believers to recognize their complete dependence on the Divine and to turn away from false securities, whether material wealth or human power, ultimately strengthening our trust in Allah's guardianship.