۞ وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ وَحَمَلْنَـٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَـٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ وَفَضَّلْنَـٰهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا 70
Translations
And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad karramnā banī ādam wa-hamalnahum fil-barri wal-bahr wa-razaqnahum min at-tayyibāt wa-faddalnāhum alā kathīr mimman khalaqnā tafdīlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes the extraordinary honor and dignity Allah has bestowed upon the children of Adam, evidenced by His provision for them across land and sea, sustenance from wholesome provisions, and preference over many of His other creations. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note this verse establishes human dignity as divinely ordained, serving as a foundation for human rights and moral responsibility in Islam. The tafdīl (preference/superiority) here is understood by scholars as intellectual and spiritual capacity, the ability to reason and receive revelation, rather than mere physical superiority.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Isra is a Meccan surah primarily concerned with the spiritual journey and spiritual obligations. This ayah appears in the context of establishing fundamental Islamic principles about human nature and divine favor, emphasizing humanity's exalted position as a reason for gratitude and obedience to Allah. It serves as part of the surah's broader message about human accountability and honor.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbor kindly' (Sahih Bukhari 5670), reflecting the responsibility that comes with the honor mentioned in 17:70. Also relevant is the hadith: 'All people are the family of Allah, and the most beloved to Allah are those who are most kind to His family' (Sunan Ibn Majah), emphasizing dignity given to all humans.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that every human being possesses inherent dignity granted by Allah, which demands respectful treatment regardless of status or belief, and that such honor comes with the responsibility to use our intellect and capabilities in service of our Creator and in justice toward others.