عَسَىٰ رَبُّنَآ أَن يُبْدِلَنَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهَآ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا رَٰغِبُونَ 32
Translations
Perhaps our Lord will substitute for us [one] better than it. Indeed, we are toward our Lord desirous."
Transliteration
Asa rabbuna an yubdilana khayran minha inna ila rabbina raghibun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah expresses the righteous response of the believers when faced with loss or hardship—they place their hope in Allah's ability to replace what they have lost with something better. Ibn Kathir explains that this demonstrates true reliance on Allah (tawakkul) and acceptance of His divine decree, while Al-Tabari notes that this statement reflects the believers' conviction that Allah is not merely capable of compensation, but that they earnestly desire to return to Him. The phrase 'inna ila rabbina raghibun' (indeed, we are desirous toward our Lord) emphasizes their longing for Allah's favor and their submission to His will.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah Al-Qalam, which recounts the trial of the People of the Garden (Ashab al-Jinah) mentioned in verses 17-33. The believers here are responding to a test of their wealth and possessions, demonstrating the proper attitude Muslims should adopt when facing worldly losses—namely, patient reliance on Allah and hope for His reward.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Amazing is the affair of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If prosperity comes to him, he is grateful, and if adversity befalls him, he is patient. And this is good for no one but the believer.' (Sahih Muslim 2999). This hadith resonates with the ayah's message of patience and trust in divine providence.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing loss or hardship, the believer should respond not with despair but with hope in Allah's ability to replace what was lost with something better, while maintaining a sincere desire to please Him. This ayah teaches that true wealth lies not in possessions, but in one's relationship with the Creator and trust in His perfect wisdom.