فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ 16
Translations
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
Transliteration
Fa-bi-ayyi alaa-i rabbikuma tukadhdhibaan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah continues the repeated refrain of Surah Ar-Rahman, addressing both jinn and humans (as indicated by the dual form 'you both'), asking: 'Which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny?' According to classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir, this rhetorical question emphasizes the absurdity of denying Allah's favors when they are evident in creation, and serves as a powerful reminder of divine mercy and bounty. The repetition of this refrain throughout the surah (appearing 31 times) underscores that ingratitude toward Allah's blessings is logically indefensible and spiritually dangerous.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rahman's thematic structure, which systematically enumerates Allah's blessings and His signs in creation (the heavens, earth, fruits, seas, etc.). The surah was revealed in Medina and uses the recurring refrain as a powerful pedagogical tool to address both the jinn and humanity, reminding them that denial of divine blessings is irrational. The context emphasizes divine generosity and the folly of ingratitude.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is when you are in a state of need yet you give, and the most evil action is ingratitude to Allah for His blessings' (related themes in Tirmidhi and other collections). Also relevant: 'Whoever is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah' (Tirmidhi), emphasizing the connection between recognizing blessings and gratitude.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to regularly contemplate Allah's countless blessings in their lives and recognize that denial of these favors is logically and spiritually indefensible; cultivating gratitude (shukr) becomes an act of acknowledgment of Allah's dominion and mercy, transforming daily awareness into worship.