وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ ۚ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ 78
Translations
And it is He who produced for you hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect]; little are you grateful.
Transliteration
Wa huwa alladhī ansha'a lakumu as-sam'a wa al-absāra wa al-af'idah. Qalīlan mā tashkurūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah reminds humanity that He is the Creator who originated for them the faculties of hearing, sight, and hearts (intellect/understanding), emphasizing these are divine gifts bestowed upon mankind. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that this ayah is a powerful argument for monotheism—these vital senses are evidence of Allah's creative power and wisdom, yet despite this clear blessing, people give little gratitude in return. The reproach 'How little you give thanks' underscores the ingratitude of those who possess these blessings yet fail to recognize and acknowledge their Creator.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Mu'minun, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes the characteristics of true believers and the signs of Allah's creation. The surah uses rhetorical questions and reminders of divine blessings to convince the Meccan disbelievers of Allah's existence and uniqueness. This particular ayah forms part of a broader argument in the surah (verses 78-89) enumerating the blessings given to humanity as proof of Allah's power and deserving of worship.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Every son of Adam is created with sixty and some joints, and whoever glorifies Allah is separating himself from the Fire,' reported in Sahih Muslim. Additionally, the Prophet emphasized gratitude for blessings: 'Whoever among you wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, and has his food for the day, it is as though the whole world has been given to him' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah calls believers to consciously recognize and be grateful for the remarkable faculties Allah has granted us—our ability to hear, see, and understand—which are often taken for granted in daily life. The lesson is that true faith requires active acknowledgment and gratitude for these blessings, as they are tangible evidence of Allah's mercy and a trust we will be questioned about.