بَلْ مَتَّعْتُ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَءَابَآءَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْحَقُّ وَرَسُولٌ مُّبِينٌ 29
Translations
However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger.
Transliteration
Bal mattaʿtu haʾulaʾi wa-abaʾahum hattā jaʾahum al-ḥaqqu wa-rasūlun mubīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the disbelievers of Mecca, stating that He granted them and their forefathers worldly enjoyment and prosperity until the Truth (Islam) and a clear Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) came to them. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this as Allah's patience and grace in providing material blessings before sending the final Message, yet despite these favors, they rejected the truth. The ayah emphasizes that material prosperity without guidance leads to arrogance and rejection of divine signs.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Az-Zukhruf, which addresses the Meccan polytheists' rejection of monotheism despite receiving the Quranic message. The broader context (43:16-35) discusses how the Quraysh attributed partners to Allah while enjoying His blessings, and this ayah explains Allah's pattern of granting respite and abundance to nations before sending messengers as a test of their gratitude and obedience.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 4476: The Prophet ﷺ said, 'The best wealth is a virtuous wife,' highlighting that true blessing comes through faith, not mere material possessions. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah 4019 relates to the concept that nations are tested with blessings before accountability comes through messengers.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that worldly abundance and comfort are trials from Allah, not evidence of His pleasure, and that true success lies in accepting His guidance through His messengers rather than becoming arrogant due to material prosperity.