أَلَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ عَيْنَيْنِ 8
Translations
Have We not made for him two eyes?
Transliteration
Alam naj'al lahu 'aynayn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is part of Allah's rhetorical question addressing mankind, highlighting the physical blessings He has bestowed upon them. Allah reminds humans of the two eyes He has given them as a sign of His mercy and provision. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah emphasizes that such clear signs of divine favor should inspire gratitude and obedience, not ingratitude and rebellion, which is the central theme of Surah Al-Balad.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Balad was revealed in Mecca during the early Meccan period and addresses the human tendency to forget Allah's blessings. This specific ayah follows Allah's oath by the city (Mecca) and His creation, serving as part of a series of rhetorical questions that enumerate the fundamental blessings given to humanity to provoke reflection on their ingratitude.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best charity is water' (Sunan Ibn Majah), and in another context emphasized the blessing of sight as among the greatest of Allah's gifts. Additionally, the Prophet stated: 'There is no disease that Allah has sent down except that He has also sent down its cure' (Sahih Bukhari), relating to using one's faculties, including eyes, wisely.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate awareness and gratitude for the innate blessings they often take for granted, such as sight and bodily faculties, recognizing each as a trust (amanah) from Allah that will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. This awareness naturally leads to more responsible and righteous use of these gifts in serving Allah and humanity.