وَأَمَّآ إِذَا مَا ٱبْتَلَىٰهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقَهُۥ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّىٓ أَهَـٰنَنِ 16
Translations
But when He tries him and restricts his provision, he says, "My Lord has humiliated me."
Transliteration
Wa-amma idha ma ibtalahu faqadara alayhi rizqahu fayaqulu rabbi ahaanani
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes a person who, when tested by Allah with restricted provision (poverty or hardship), claims that his Lord has humiliated him. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this reflects the ingratitude and spiritual weakness of those who attribute their material hardship to divine dishonor rather than recognizing trials as tests of faith. The ayah emphasizes that Allah's restriction of rizq (sustenance) is not a sign of displeasure or humiliation, but rather a trial to test the servant's patience and reliance upon Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Fajr, a Meccan chapter that contrasts the fate of the believer with that of the disbeliever. It follows the previous ayah (89:15) which described someone who was tested with abundance and became arrogant. Together, these ayahs present two types of people tested by Allah: one through wealth and one through poverty, examining their responses to divine trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'No soul will die until it has received its full provision, so fear Allah and be noble in your quest for provision.' (Tirmidhi) This hadith reinforces that rizq (provision) is predetermined by Allah, and hardship in provision is part of the divine decree, not a sign of divine displeasure.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing financial hardship or restricted provision, believers should recognize this as a test from Allah rather than a sign of His displeasure, and should maintain patience and trust in His wisdom and predetermined decree. True honor comes from submission to Allah's will, not from material abundance.