وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتُنَا بَيِّنَـٰتٍ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ خَيْرٌ مَّقَامًا وَأَحْسَنُ نَدِيًّا 73
Translations
And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Which of [our] two parties is best in position and best in association?"
Transliteration
Wa-idha tutla 'alayhim ayatuna bayyinat, qala alladhina kafaru lilladhina amanu ayyu al-fariqayni khayrun maqaman wa-ahsan nadiyya
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the arrogant response of the disbelievers when clear verses of Allah are recited to them—they mockingly ask the believers which group has a better position and more comfortable gathering. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects the spiritual blindness and pride of the disbelievers who judge by worldly standards (wealth, status, comfort) rather than by truth and guidance. The Qur'an uses this rhetorical question to expose their misguided values, as their material advantage in this world does not indicate superiority or favor with Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Maryam, which discusses various prophets and the message of monotheism. The passage addresses the mockery and arrogance of Meccan disbelievers who, despite hearing clear signs (ayat bayyinat), reject them and attempt to belittle the believers by boasting of their worldly position and social gatherings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The greatest deception is to prefer this world over the Hereafter' (related themes in various collections). Also relevant: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46, referenced in hadith literature).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us not to be deceived by the apparent worldly success or comfortable circumstances of those who reject truth, as material prosperity is temporary and does not indicate favor with Allah. True honor and superiority lie in faith, righteousness, and closeness to the Divine, not in wealth, status, or social standing.