أَلَمْ تَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَأَسْبَغَ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعَمَهُۥ ظَـٰهِرَةً وَبَاطِنَةً ۗ وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُجَـٰدِلُ فِى ٱللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَلَا هُدًى وَلَا كِتَـٰبٍ مُّنِيرٍ 20
Translations
Do you not see that Allāh has made subject to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth and amply bestowed upon you His favors, [both] apparent and unapparent? But of the people is he who disputes about Allāh without knowledge or guidance or an enlightening Book [from Him].
Transliteration
Alam taraw anna Allaha sakhkhara lakum ma fee alssamawati wama fee al-ardi wa-asbagha alaikum niamahu zahirah wa-batinah. Wamina alnnasi man yujadilu fee Allahi bighayri ilmin wala hudan wala kitabin munir.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a rhetorical question challenging humans to observe how Allah has subjugated all creation in the heavens and earth for their benefit, bestowing upon them both visible blessings (health, wealth, sustenance) and hidden blessings (intellect, faith, guidance). The ayah then condemns those who argue against Allah's existence and oneness without knowledge, guidance, or illuminating scripture—a reproach directed at the polytheists and skeptics of Mecca. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari emphasize that this passage combines divine grace with an indictment of arrogance and baseless disputation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Luqman, a Meccan surah focused on moral instruction and monotheistic theology. It serves as part of the broader Quranic argument for tawhid (divine oneness) by highlighting the signs of Allah's power and provision evident in creation—a common Meccan theme addressing polytheistic arguments prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Related Hadiths
Prophet Muhammad (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 3895)—related to Luqman's overall theme of moral guidance. Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent' (Sahih Bukhari 6018) relates to the ayah's condemnation of baseless argumentation.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims should cultivate awareness and gratitude for both visible and invisible blessings surrounding them daily, recognizing these as signs of Allah's majesty and care. Additionally, believers are encouraged to avoid engaging in theological disputes without sound knowledge and scriptural foundation, prioritizing wisdom and evidence-based discourse in matters of faith.