إِلَّا رَحْمَةً مِّنَّا وَمَتَـٰعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ 44
Translations
Except as a mercy from Us and provision for a time.
Transliteration
Illa rahmatan minna wa mataa'an ila heen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that all sustenance and provisions granted to mankind are exclusively acts of divine mercy from Allah, not earned through human effort alone. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that the word 'mataa' (enjoyment/provision) is temporary and limited to a fixed term, reminding believers that worldly blessings are transient gifts that will eventually cease, serving as a divine test and reminder of human dependence on Allah's will.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ya-Sin's discussion of divine signs and Allah's creative power. It follows verses discussing how Allah provides sustenance to creation and serves to emphasize that all worldly provisions are temporary divine gifts, reinforcing the theme of human accountability and the ultimate return to Allah.
Related Hadiths
The 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), which relates to utilizing Allah's provisions with gratitude. Additionally, 'All of you are guardians and all of you are responsible for your wards' (Sahih Bukhari) connects to the responsibility of managing divine mercies.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to view all worldly comforts and provisions as temporary divine gifts rather than permanent possessions or personal achievements, cultivating humility and gratitude. It encourages recognizing that true security lies not in accumulating wealth, but in remembering Allah's mercy and preparing for the eternal life to come.