فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ 18
Translations
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
Transliteration
Fa-bi-ayyi alaa-i rabbikuma tukadhdhiban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah continues the refrain of Surah Ar-Rahman, asking the jinn and mankind: 'So which of the favors of your Lord do you both deny?' According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this rhetorical question emphasizes the ingratitude of creation despite the countless blessings bestowed by Allah. The dual form 'rabbikuma' (your Lord - addressing both jinn and humans) and 'tukadhdhiban' (deny/reject) underscores the universal accountability of all conscious beings to recognize divine mercy.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rahman is a Medinan surah that repeatedly uses this refrain 31 times throughout its 78 verses. This particular ayah appears early in the surah's systematic enumeration of Allah's blessings—from the creation of humanity to the regulation of the sun and moon—establishing the thematic foundation that denial of such obvious favors is both irrational and ingrateful.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best surah in the Quran is Surah Ar-Rahman' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that when the Quran was recited before the jinn, they listened attentively, showing the surah's power in addressing both jinn and humans (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to cultivate constant awareness and gratitude for Allah's endless favors rather than taking them for granted, while also serving as a gentle but firm reminder that denial of clear signs is an indefensible position. For modern readers, it encourages introspection about how often we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings we receive daily.