فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ 61
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 that appears throughout Surah Ar-Rahman, posing a rhetorical question to both jinn and mankind: 'So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?' According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, this repeated question serves as a powerful reminder of Allah's countless blessings and an emphatic call to gratitude and acknowledgment of His oneness. The dual form 'rabbikuma' (your Lord) addresses both communities collectively, emphasizing the universal nature of divine mercy.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rahman is a Medinan surah that employs a distinctive rhetorical structure, repeating this refrain 31 times throughout its 78 verses. The surah's primary purpose is to enumerate Allah's blessings in creation and challenge the listener to recognize ingratitude as a grave spiritual disease. Verse 61 falls within the section describing the rewards of the righteous in Paradise.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi). This relates thematically to recognizing and being grateful for blessings. Additionally, 'Whoever is not grateful for small blessings will not be grateful for great ones' (Tirmidhi) directly reinforces the surah's emphasis on acknowledging divine favors.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that denying or being ungrateful for Allah's blessings is a fundamental spiritual failing that every person must consciously resist. Regular reflection on the countless mercies we receive should cultivate a habitual attitude of gratitude that transforms our relationship with our Creator and protects us from arrogance and denial.