فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ 40
Translations
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
Transliteration
Fabiayyi alai rabbikuma tukadhdhiban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah continues the refrain of Surah Ar-Rahman, questioning both jinn and humans: "Then 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 absurdity of denying Allah's countless blessings and signs, particularly in light of the detailed descriptions of paradise and divine mercy presented throughout the surah. The dual form (rabbikuma - your Lord, addressing both jinn and mankind) underscores that both creation categories are equally recipients of divine favor and equally accountable for their response.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Medinan surah Ar-Rahman, which was revealed to emphasize Allah's mercy and blessings. The repeated refrain appears 31 times throughout the surah, serving as a powerful rhetorical device that interrupts descriptions of Allah's creation and the rewards of paradise, forcing the listener to confront their denial despite overwhelming evidence of divine bounty.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The most hated person to Allah is the most stubborn denier (al-Asd al-Adammu)." (Sahih Muslim 2858) - relating to those who reject divine signs despite their clarity. Additionally, the theme of recognizing blessings is reflected in the hadith: "Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah." (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1954)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah calls believers to cultivate conscious gratitude for Allah's innumerable blessings, recognizing that denial of these favors—whether explicit or through neglect—represents a fundamental spiritual blindness. In modern life, it serves as a reminder to pause regularly and acknowledge the divine gifts we often take for granted, transforming gratitude from mere words into lived consciousness.