نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَـٰهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَـٰعًا لِّلْمُقْوِينَ 73
Translations
We have made it a reminder and provision for the travelers,
Transliteration
Nahnu ja'alnaha tadhkiratan wa mataa'an lilmuqwīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah states that He has made the fire (mentioned in the preceding verses) a reminder and provision for those who deny (the disbelievers). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this ayah emphasizes that the punishment of Hell serves as a clear warning and deterrent for those who reject faith, while simultaneously being a source of sustenance and benefit for the righteous who use it as a means to increase their gratitude and obedience to Allah. The word 'mataa' (provision/benefit) here refers to the spiritual benefit the believers gain from witnessing and understanding the consequences of disbelief.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan surah that describes the inevitable Day of Judgment and the fate of three categories of people. The broader context discusses the miraculous creation of fire from the green tree, and this ayah concludes that discussion by explaining the dual purpose of fire as both a reminder for the heedless and a source of contemplation for the believers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The fire is a reminder to those who reflect' - a general principle supported by various hadiths on the benefits of reflecting on divine punishment. See Jami' at-Tirmidhi and related works on the virtues of contemplation (tafakkur).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that even the instruments of punishment in the afterlife serve as profound reminders of Allah's justice and power, encouraging us to reflect deeply on our choices and strengthen our faith. Every creation of Allah, including those destined for punishment, contains wisdom and guidance for those who contemplate.