وَٱللَّهُ فَضَّلَ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فِى ٱلرِّزْقِ ۚ فَمَا ٱلَّذِينَ فُضِّلُوا۟ بِرَآدِّى رِزْقِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُمْ فَهُمْ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌ ۚ أَفَبِنِعْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ 71
Translations
And Allāh has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who were favored [i.e., given more] would not hand over their provision to those whom their right hands possess [i.e., slaves] so they would be equal to them therein. Then is it the favor of Allāh they reject?
Transliteration
Wa-Allahu faddala ba'dakum 'ala ba'din fi ar-rizq, fa-ma al-ladhina fudilu bi-raddi rizqihim 'ala ma malakat aymanuhum fa-hum fihi sawaa'? Afa-bini'mati Allahi yajhadun?
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah has favored some of you over others in provision (wealth), yet those who have been blessed do not return their sustenance to those they own (their servants/slaves) equally with themselves—making them partners in their provision. The ayah then poses a rhetorical question: do they deny the blessing of Allah by withholding what He has given them? Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as an ethical exhortation encouraging the wealthy to treat those under their authority with justice and kindness, recognizing that all provision ultimately comes from Allah's grace.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nahl (Meccan surah), which addresses matters of gratitude, the signs of Allah, and proper conduct. It appears in a section discussing Allah's blessings and how humans respond to them. The context emphasizes that material disparity should not lead to arrogance or injustice toward those of lower status, but rather cultivate compassion and recognition of Allah's sovereignty over all wealth.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895). Additionally, 'Treat your servants as you would like to be treated' (Sahih Bukhari 2468) relates to the ethical treatment implied in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
Wealth and status are divine gifts that entail moral responsibility; those blessed with abundance should recognize their blessings as tests of character and extend justice and kindness to those dependent upon them. Denying the blessing of Allah manifests not only through explicit disbelief but through misuse of His gifts and exploitation of the vulnerable.