فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ 57
Translations
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -
Transliteration
Fa-bi-ayyi alaa'i rabbikuma tukadhdhiban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah continues the refrain of Surah Ar-Rahman, challenging both jinn and mankind to deny any of Allah's blessings and favors. Ibn Kathir explains that this rhetorical question emphasizes the absurdity of ingratitude, as both creation and sustenance are undeniable proofs of Allah's lordship and mercy. Al-Qurtubi notes that the dual form (rabbikuma - 'your Lord') addresses both jinn and humans, making it a universal call to acknowledge divine blessings.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ar-Rahman, a Medinan chapter that systematically enumerates Allah's favors and graces. The surah's structure repeats this refrain 31 times, emphasizing that despite countless blessings, many still reject faith. The context follows descriptions of Allah's creation and provision, making this rhetorical challenge particularly powerful as it demands reflection on undeniable mercies.
Related Hadiths
Related to the theme of gratitude: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Also relevant: 'Whoever is not grateful for a small blessing will not be grateful for a great one' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3558).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to pause and reflect on the countless blessings bestowed upon them daily—from basic sustenance to guidance—and to respond with gratitude rather than heedlessness. In our modern context, it challenges us to examine whether we truly appreciate Allah's favors or whether we take them for granted, encouraging conscious acknowledgment and thankfulness as an act of worship.