أَمْ لَهُمْ نَصِيبٌ مِّنَ ٱلْمُلْكِ فَإِذًا لَّا يُؤْتُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ نَقِيرًا 53
Translations
Or have they a share of dominion? Then [if that were so], they would not give the people [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.
Transliteration
Am lahum nasibun min al-mulki fa-iza lā yu'tūn an-nāsa naqīrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah sarcastically questions the polytheists' claim to a share in Allah's dominion, suggesting that if they possessed such authority, they would give people nothing—not even the smallest amount (a naqir, the crack in a date pit). Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as Allah's rebuke to those who associate partners with Him and deny His absolute sovereignty, highlighting the absurdity of their position. The ayah emphasizes that true power and generosity belong to Allah alone, and those who reject monotheism demonstrate stinginess and unworthiness of divine blessing.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah An-Nisa's discussion of polytheism and the attributes of Allah. It specifically addresses the disbelievers' false claims about possessing a share in divine authority and their denial of Allah's complete control. The verse uses rhetorical sarcasm characteristic of Quranic refutation of polytheistic beliefs prevalent in Meccan and early Medinan Arabia.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best charity is that given when one is in need' (Tirmidhi). While not directly related, this hadith contrasts with the stinginess described in the ayah, emphasizing the virtue of generosity that reflects belief in Allah's provision.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize Allah's absolute authority and reject any notion that others share in His dominion, while also reminding us that true generosity flows from faith in Allah's limitless provision. For modern readers, it serves as a humbling reminder that worldly power is transient and that genuine wealth comes from submission to Allah's will, not from arrogant claims to autonomy.