Tafsir & Commentary
The Heights (الأعراف) · Meccan
وَقَطَّعْنَـٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أُمَمًا ۖ مِّنْهُمُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ وَمِنْهُمْ دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ ۖ وَبَلَوْنَـٰهُم بِٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ وَٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ168
7:168
Translation — Sahih International
And We divided them throughout the earth into nations. Of them some were righteous, and of them some were otherwise. And We tested them with good [times] and bad that perhaps they would return [to obedience].
Transliteration
Wa-qatta'nāhum fī al-ardi umaman, minhum al-sālihūn wa-minhum dūn dhālik, wa-balawnāhum bil-hasanāt wa-al-sayyiāt la'allahum yarji'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Children of Israel being divided into different nations and communities across the earth, with some among them being righteous while others fell short of righteousness. Allah tested them with both blessings and hardships so that they might return to Him in repentance and obedience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as describing the scattering and division of the Bani Isra'il throughout history as a consequence of their deviation, while the trials—both positive and negative—were meant to guide them back to the straight path.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah is part of Surah Al-A'raf, a Meccan surah that discusses the histories of various nations and prophets. The verse follows the narrative of the Children of Israel and their covenant with Allah, contextualizing their subsequent division and trials as a means of divine guidance and accountability for their actions.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet ﷺ mentioned the trials and tests that come to the believers: 'The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them.' This illustrates the divine wisdom behind trials mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lessons
Both blessings and hardships are divine tests intended to draw us closer to Allah and prompt sincere repentance. We should recognize that trials and triumphs are opportunities for spiritual growth and should respond by turning back to Allah with genuine intention.