وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا 74
Translations
And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous."
Transliteration
Wa alladhina yaquluna rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a'yunin waj'alna lil-muttaqina imama
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the righteous servants of Allah who supplicate to their Lord asking Him to grant them spouses and offspring who are a source of joy and comfort to their eyes. They further ask Allah to make them leaders and examples for the God-fearing (al-muttaqin). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, 'qurrat a'yunin' (coolness of the eyes) refers to delight and satisfaction, while seeking to be made 'imama' (leaders) means they aspire to be role models of piety and righteousness for the Muslim community. This supplication exemplifies the balanced Islamic perspective on family life combined with spiritual leadership.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Furqan (revealed in Mecca), which emphasizes the characteristics of 'ibad ar-Rahman (servants of the Most Merciful). The surah describes the qualities of the righteous believers, and this verse is one of several that outline their virtuous attributes, particularly their devotion in prayer and supplication to Allah.
Related Hadiths
The 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' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said: 'When a man's child is born, he should name him/her well and teach him/her good manners, for he will be asked on the Day of Resurrection: What is your name and what is your father's name?' (Tabarani).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that seeking righteous spouses and virtuous children is a noble Islamic aspiration, but it should be coupled with the intention to become exemplary moral leaders ourselves. Muslims should understand that the purpose of family is not merely personal happiness, but also raising a generation that upholds Islamic values and serves as a beacon of righteousness for society.
Related Ayahs
وَيَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ بِٱلْغَمَـٰمِ وَنُزِّلَ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ تَنزِيلًا
And [mention] the Day when the heaven will split open with [emerging] clouds, and the angels will be sent down in successive descent.
وَقَالُوٓا۟ أَسَـٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ ٱكْتَتَبَهَا فَهِىَ تُمْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا
And they say, "Legends of the former peoples which he has written down, and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon."
لَّهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَآءُونَ خَـٰلِدِينَ ۚ كَانَ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ وَعْدًا مَّسْـُٔولًا
For them therein is whatever they wish, [while] abiding eternally. It is ever upon your Lord a promise [worthy to be] requested.
وَلَا يَأْتُونَكَ بِمَثَلٍ إِلَّا جِئْنَـٰكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَأَحْسَنَ تَفْسِيرًا
And they do not come to you with an example [i.e., argument] except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation.