ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى وَهَبَ لِى عَلَى ٱلْكِبَرِ إِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَسَمِيعُ ٱلدُّعَآءِ 39
Translations
Praise to Allāh, who has granted to me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication.
Transliteration
Al-hamdu lillahi alladhi wahaba li 'ala al-kibari Isma'ila wa-Ishaaqa. Inna Rabbi la-samee'u ad-du'aa.
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) praises Allah for granting him sons—Ishmael and Isaac—in his old age, which was a remarkable blessing given his advanced years and his wife Sarah's barrenness. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse demonstrates Ibrahim's gratitude and recognition that all blessings come from Allah alone, while the concluding phrase 'Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication' affirms his faith that Allah answers the prayers of His servants, as evidenced by the fulfillment of his long-awaited supplication for children.
Revelation Context
This verse is part of Ibrahim's supplication and praise within Surah Ibrahim, which emphasizes the prophets' reliance upon Allah. The ayah reflects the broader Quranic narrative of Ibrahim's life and his unwavering faith despite trials. It comes after Allah's command to Ibrahim to call people to monotheism, serving as a reminder of Allah's fulfillment of His promises to the prophets.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (4:55:557) records that the Prophet Muhammad said Ibrahim will meet his father Azar on the Day of Judgment and will be saddened when Azar does not enter Paradise. Additionally, Surah Maryam (19:7-9) contains a parallel account where Zachariah receives similar glad tidings of a son in old age, demonstrating the recurring theme of Allah's power over natural limitations.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that gratitude is the proper response to blessings and that sincere supplication to Allah, even when circumstances seem impossible, can be answered through His wisdom. It encourages modern Muslims to maintain faith and thankfulness during trials, recognizing that Allah hears every call and has the power to fulfill His promises in unexpected ways.