أَفَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى كَفَرَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَقَالَ لَأُوتَيَنَّ مَالًا وَوَلَدًا 77
Translations
Then, have you seen he who disbelieved in Our verses and said, "I will surely be given wealth and children [in the next life]"?
Transliteration
Afara-ayta alladhee kafara bi-ayatina wa-qala la-utowayana malan wa-walada
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses a disbeliever who rejected Allah's signs and arrogantly boasted that he would be granted wealth and children. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a rebuttal to the arrogance of those who deny Allah's signs while simultaneously placing false confidence in material possessions and worldly legacy. The ayah emphasizes that such boastful denial of divine truth reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what truly matters—obedience to Allah rather than accumulation of worldly goods.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Maryam, a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam when the Quraysh were actively rejecting the Prophet Muhammad's message. The broader context addresses various forms of disbelief and arrogance, with this particular verse targeting those who combined kufr (disbelief) with materialistic boasting. This reflects the resistance the Prophet faced from wealthy and influential Meccans.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Wealth and children are adornments of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:46, which shares similar thematic content). Additionally, Surah Al-Mudathir 74:12-15 contains related warnings about those who arrogantly reject signs while desiring wealth.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true success lies not in accumulating wealth and children, but in faith and obedience to Allah. Material possessions are temporary and should never become a source of arrogance or cause one to reject divine guidance—a vital reminder for contemporary believers who may be seduced by consumerism and material status.