إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ وَإِن كُنَّا لَمُبْتَلِينَ 30
Translations
Indeed in that are signs, and indeed, We are ever testing [Our servants].
Transliteration
Inna fee dhalika la-ayatin wa-in kunna lamubtalayn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that in the signs (ayat) demonstrated through the stories of the prophets and the trials they faced, there are clear proofs of Allah's power and wisdom. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as Allah acknowledging that despite the believers being tested and tried, the miraculous signs accompanying the prophets serve as irrefutable evidence of divine truth. The ayah emphasizes that trials and tribulations are part of Allah's design, yet the signs that accompany faith remain constant.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Al-Mu'minun's opening section, which recounts the qualities of true believers and the stories of various prophets and their peoples. The broader context discusses how previous generations were tested with trials, yet those who believed witnessed clear signs of Allah's guidance, establishing a pattern of divine testing throughout history.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon by him) said: 'The greatest trial for a believer is in the loss of his child' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the hadith 'No one is tested with anything more severe than being tested with the loss of children' (Tirmidhi) relates to the theme of trials (ibtila) mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that difficulties and trials in life are not punishments but opportunities to witness Allah's signs and strengthen their faith. Understanding that prophets and righteous people before us faced similar tests provides comfort and perspective during challenging times.