۞ وَٱتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ٱبْنَىْ ءَادَمَ بِٱلْحَقِّ إِذْ قَرَّبَا قُرْبَانًا فَتُقُبِّلَ مِنْ أَحَدِهِمَا وَلَمْ يُتَقَبَّلْ مِنَ ٱلْـَٔاخَرِ قَالَ لَأَقْتُلَنَّكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ 27
Translations
And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both made an offering [to Allāh], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], "I will surely kill you." Said [the former], "Indeed, Allāh only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].
Transliteration
Wa-atlu 'alayhim naba-a ibnayi Adam bil-haqq idh qarraba qurbanan fataqqubila min ahadihima wa lam yutaqabbal mina al-akhir qala la-aqtulannaka qala innama yataqabbal Allah mina al-muttaqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah narrates the story of Adam's two sons (Cain and Abel) who each offered a sacrifice to Allah. Allah accepted the offering from one of them (the righteous one) but rejected the other's, which led the rejected one to threaten murder. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that acceptance of deeds depends not on the material value of the offering but on the sincerity and piety of the offerer, as emphasized in the response: 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous (al-muttaqin).' This ayah establishes a fundamental principle that divine acceptance is contingent upon taqwa (God-consciousness).
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a narrative section in Surah Al-Ma'idah (Medinan) that recounts stories of past nations. The story of Adam's sons serves as a cautionary historical example about the consequences of envy, pride, and the rejection of divine guidance. The broader context addresses themes of obedience and the dangers of following one's desires.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Indeed, Allah does not look at your forms or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and your deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). This hadith directly reinforces the principle established in this ayah regarding sincere intention and piety in worship.
Themes
Key Lesson
True worship is measured not by outward displays or material sacrifices, but by the state of one's heart and commitment to righteousness. Muslims should examine their intentions in all acts of worship and obedience, understanding that only sincere devotion rooted in taqwa finds acceptance with Allah.