Surah Ar-Rahman 55:13
سُورَةُ الرَّحۡمَٰن · Medinan · Verse 13 of 78
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
Translation
Which, then, of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'So which of the favours of your Lord will you two deny?' The Surah's great refrain arrives for the first time, and Ma'arif al-Qur'an notes it is addressed to a pair: mankind and jinn together, and it will return thirty-one times, refusing to let a single blessing pass unacknowledged. The repetition is the point: each favour deserves its own reckoning. Ask yourself: after being reminded of guidance, my own creation, my speech, the sun and moon, the earth and its fruit, the question turns on me directly: which of these will I deny? Denial here is not loud rejection; it is the quiet ingratitude of taking each gift as owed. As this refrain repeats through the Surah, can I let it do its work on me, pausing at each blessing to answer honestly instead of scrolling past?
Grounded in classical tafsir: Ma'arif al-Qur'an, al-Saadi, Ibn Ashur.
Wording
The verse, "فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ" (Fabi'ayyi aalaai Rabbikumaa tukadhibaan), which can be translated as "So which of the favors of your Lord will you both deny?", is a powerful rhetorical question repeated throughout Surah Ar-Rahman. It is addressed primarily to both humankind and jinn, often referred to as "the two weighty ones" (al-Thaqalayn), as explicitly supported by scholars like al-Jalalayn, al-Zamakhshari, and al-Razi, who cite later verses in the Surah that confirm this dual address. Allah Himself is speaking, and the tone is one of profound admonition and a call for acknowledgment.
Connecting the Blessings
The opening letter "Fā'" (فَ) in "Fabi'ayyi" (فَبِأَىِّ) acts as a connector, branching off from the numerous blessings and signs of Allah's greatness mentioned just before this verse. It's as if each recounted favor leads naturally to this probing question. The word "Ayye" (أيِّ), translated as "which," is not a true question seeking an answer, but a rhetorical one (istifham li al-taqreer) intended to affirm, acknowledge, and remind. It forces a realization: how could you possibly deny *any* of these blessings when they are so manifest?
What is Being Denied?
The word "Aalaa'" (آلاءِ) means "blessings" or "favors," encompassing both the worldly and spiritual gifts from Allah. When the verse asks "Tukadhibaan" (تُكَذِّبَانِ), it means "you both deny" or "you both disbelieve." As Ibn Ashur explains, this "denial" (takdheeb) is used metaphorically in the sense of "juhood" (جَحْد), a severe rejection or ingratitude. Denying these blessings, especially by associating partners with Allah in worship (shirk), is considered an act of great wickedness, as one effectively denies the true Source of all good. The specific choice of the word "Rabbikumaa" (رَبِّكُمَا), meaning "your Lord" or "your Cherisher," is significant. Al-Razi highlights that while previous surahs discussing punishment might use stronger Divine Names to evoke awe, in Surah Ar-Rahman, focused on mercy and blessings, the term "Rabb" emphasizes Allah's nurturing, caring, and benevolent relationship with His creation, making the denial of His favors even more poignant.
The Power of Repetition
The frequent repetition of this verse (thirty-one times in total) is a striking feature of Surah Ar-Rahman. Scholars like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi explain that this repetition serves for "taqreer" (تقرير), or emphatic affirmation. It is a powerful literary device that continuously highlights the sheer abundance of Allah's blessings and challenges the listener to consider them deeply. Each time a new set of divine favors is mentioned, from the creation of humanity and jinn, to the heavens and earth, to fruits and rivers, the verse returns, pressing the question: which of these immense favors can truly be denied? It’s a rhythmic, persistent call to gratitude and recognition of the Creator.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Qur'anic Worlds
Imagine Allah, the Lord of all existence, directly addressing every human and jinn with a profound question: "So, which of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?" This powerful verse, Surah 55:13, stands as a recurring challenge, inviting us to reflect deeply on the countless favors we receive.
What the Word Means
The Arabic word `آلاء` (alaa') means 'benefits, benefaction, favor, boon, blessing, or bounty,' as explained by Mufti Shafi. It encompasses all of Allah's spiritual and worldly gifts. The question isn't whether we *can* deny them, but rather, how can we *possibly* deny them when they are so evident?
A Question to Jinn and Mankind
The verse specifically addresses two distinct creations: mankind and jinn. Scholars like al-Baghawi, Mufti Shafi, and Ibn Kathir affirm this, referring to them collectively as `al-Thaqalayn` (the two heavy loads, or two species). This broad address shows that Allah's generosity and the expectation of gratitude extend to all intelligent beings.
In the Time of Revelation
To truly grasp the weight of this verse, we can step into its "World of Revelation." Asma bint Abi Bakr, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), recounted hearing him recite this very verse while praying, even before he openly declared his message to the polytheists of Makkah. This suggests an early Makkan context, where the Prophet was quietly delivering the divine message amidst a community largely denying Allah's oneness and bounties.
The companions also heard this verse, and a narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah mentioned by al-Baghawi highlights its impact. The Prophet recited Surah Ar-Rahman to his companions, and after this verse, he noted the Jinn had a better response than the silent humans, saying, "Nor do we deny any of Your bounties, our Lord, to You be all praise." This shows how the verse challenged its first human audience, encouraging immediate and heartfelt acknowledgment of Allah's blessings. It was a call to recognize the self-evident nature of divine generosity, even for those who were outwardly denying Allah.
Why the Repetition?
This verse is repeated numerous times throughout Surah Ar-Rahman. Scholars like al-Baghawi and al-Razi explain this repetition as a powerful rhetorical device, common in Arabic, meant for emphasis and "taqreer" (establishing or confirming a truth). It's like someone enumerating all the good they've done for another who denies it, leaving no room for argument. Each repetition serves as a fresh reminder, punctuating the descriptions of Allah's various creations and favors, from the teaching of the Quran to the setting of the stars, from the sweet and salty waters to the creation of humans and jinn. The very tone of "your Lord" (Rabbikuma) in the address, rather than "My bounties," emphasizes Allah's nurturing and sustaining role, making the rhetorical challenge even more poignant.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Kathir
Worldly Mirror
This beautiful verse, repeated frequently throughout Surah Ar-Rahman, is a profound rhetorical question addressed directly by Allah to both jinn and humankind: "Then which of your Lord's blessings would you both deny?" (فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ). It comes as a powerful reminder after a series of divine gifts have been enumerated, serving as both a gentle admonition and a compelling call to gratitude.
The Weight of the Question
The word *ala'i* (آلَآءِ) carries a dual meaning, encompassing both "blessings" and "powers," as Dr. Israr Ahmad points out. This means the question challenges us to acknowledge not only the tangible gifts from Allah but also His immense power in creating and sustaining them. The phrase *tukadhiban* (تُكَذِّبَانِ), referring to "you both deny" or "disbelieve," makes this a direct interrogation. Sayyid Qutb explains that this isn't a literal question expecting a negative answer, but rather a way to establish undeniable proof. It’s as if Allah is saying, "Look around you, look within you, how can you possibly deny any of these clear signs of My favor and might?"
A Mirror to Our Inner State
For us, as individuals, this verse serves as a profound mirror to our inner state. How often do we truly pause to count our blessings, from the very breath we take to the food on our tables and the ability to articulate our thoughts, as Wahba al-Zuhayli notes regarding the "Bayan" (expression) granted to humans? Tazkirul Quran highlights the incredible uniqueness of Earth and human creation from "earth" compared to jinn from "fire," emphasizing the profound specialness of our existence and habitat. This reflection invites us to a spiritual diagnosis: does our heart lean towards acknowledgment and gratitude, or have we fallen into heedlessness or even denial of Allah's continuous provision? The verse asks us to search our conscience and recognize the countless favors, from the gift of the Quran itself to the intricate balance of the sun, moon, and seasons.
Our Role in the World
Beyond the personal, this verse also holds a collective resonance. The preceding verses in Surah Ar-Rahman speak of the raising of the sky and the setting of the *Mizan* (balance or justice), urging us "not to transgress the balance" and to "establish the weight with justice" (55:7-9). Wahba al-Zuhayli connects this to ensuring societal stability, affection, purity, and harmony among people. When we deny Allah's blessings, we often fail to use them responsibly. The earth's fruits, grains, and resources are provided for *all* anām (creation), and our gratitude should extend to ensuring these blessings are managed and distributed justly within our communities. The *ayah context* reminds us of the jinn's immediate and grateful response when the Prophet recited this verse to them: "Nor with anything of Your blessings, our Lord, do we deny, and to You is all praise." This serves as a powerful communal example, challenging humanity to also affirm Allah’s blessings and respond with heartfelt praise and responsible stewardship.
Source: al-Muyassar plain meaning, Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Connections
Surah Ar-Rahman is known as the "Bride of the Quran" for its beautiful recitation of Allah's blessings, and at its heart lies the repeated question: فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ (Fabi ayyi ālā'i rabbikumā tukadhdhibān). This translates to, "Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?" This profound question is directed at both humankind and the jinn, serving as a powerful reminder and a gentle rebuke for any denial of Allah's countless gifts, both spiritual and worldly.
The Universal Question
From the plain meaning, we understand that Allah Himself is speaking, addressing the two conscious creations, jinn and humans. The tone is one of wonder, reprimand, and challenge: how can you possibly deny any of these overwhelming blessings? This is not a mere rhetorical question; it demands a heartfelt acknowledgment, as demonstrated by the jinn, who, when hearing this verse recited by the Prophet, would respond, "Nor by anything of Your favors, our Lord, do we deny, so to You be all praise." This response highlights the intended posture of humility and gratitude.
A String of Pearls
The most striking feature of this verse, from a connections (munasabah) perspective, is its remarkable repetition throughout Surah Ar-Rahman. It appears thirty-one times, like a refrain in a song, or as al-Biqa'i describes it, a "string of pearls" (Nazm al-Durar). This is not mere redundancy; rather, it creates a powerful cumulative effect. Each time the question appears, it follows the mention of a specific blessing or a divine sign, prompting reflection on that particular favor before moving to the next. Al-Sabuni notes that this repetition serves to emphasize, warn, and stir the listener's heart, with each instance renewing its impact as it refers to a different aspect of Allah's bounty.
Why the Repetition?
Scholars delve into the wisdom behind this unique structure. Al-Wasit (Tantawi) explains it as a way of solidifying the recognition of blessings and emphatically reminding the listener. He likens it to someone who has done great good for another, yet the recipient denies it; the benefactor repeatedly asks, "Do you deny this? Do you deny this?" Each question, therefore, serves as a fresh challenge against ingratitude. Al-Biqa'i further connects this to the psychology of denial, suggesting that just as denial can be repeated, so too must the affirmation of truth and blessings be repeated for maximum effect. He also draws intriguing numerical connections, observing that the verse appears eight times after descriptions of creation, the beginning and end of life, then seven times after the horrors of hellfire (linking to its seven gates), and then another eight times after the descriptions of the higher gardens of Paradise, and finally eight times for the lower gardens (linking to the eight gates of Paradise). This thoughtful arrangement weaves the blessings, warnings, and rewards into a coherent tapestry, showing how gratitude for the initial blessings can lead one away from the terrors and towards the ultimate reward.
Beyond the Obvious
The continuous re-posing of this question throughout the surah links each intricate detail of creation and destiny back to the boundless mercy of "Ar-Rahman," the Most Merciful. It highlights that everything, from the teaching of the Quran to the setting of the sun, the sustenance from the earth, and the very existence of jinn and humans, is a favor deserving of deep consideration and gratitude. The structural repetition is a powerful reminder that every single aspect of existence is a sign and a blessing from Allah, demanding our constant reflection and appreciation.
Sources: al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar), al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir)
Wisdom
The recurring question in Surah Ar-Rahman, "فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ" (So, which of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?), is a profound invitation to reflection for both humanity and the jinn. Allah directly addresses these two conscious creations, prompting them to examine their stance towards the countless blessings bestowed upon them.
What the Ayah Asks
The word "آلَاءِ" (Aalaa') refers to bounties, favors, blessings, and acts of benefaction. As scholars like Mufti Shafi and al-Qurtubi explain, it encompasses all of Allah's divine gifts, both spiritual and worldly. The question is rhetorical, not seeking an answer, but rather challenging the listener to acknowledge and affirm the undeniable reality of these blessings. It’s a powerful reminder, serving as a form of "affirmation and confirmation" (Wahba al-Zuhayli, al-Saadi), meant to establish the argument against denial. It also conveys a sense of awe and warning against ingratitude, rebuking those who might deny such manifest grace.
A Constant Reminder
This verse acts as a "Quranic Maxim," a ready-made piece of wisdom that encourages a specific spiritual posture. It comes after Allah enumerates numerous signs of His power and mercy: the teaching of the Quran, the creation of humanity and their ability to express themselves, the precision of the sun and moon, the balance of the heavens, and the abundance of the earth's provisions like fruits, dates, grains, and fragrant plants. Each time a blessing is mentioned, this question follows, preventing heedlessness and compelling recognition. Al-Qurtubi notes that the repetition emphasizes the point, much like someone reminding an ungrateful person of their many acts of kindness. This method serves to "banish heedlessness and confirm the argument" (al-Qurtubi).
The Heart's Response
The ideal response to this divine questioning is beautifully illustrated by the jinn, who, when the Prophet Muhammad recited this Surah, would say, "ولا بشيء من آلائك ربنا نكذب، فلك الحمد" (And we deny none of Your bounties, our Lord, to You be all praise). This teaches us the profound importance of acknowledging and praising Allah for every blessing. It’s a call to shift our focus from what we might lack to the overwhelming abundance that surrounds us.
Practical Reflection
For us, this ayah is a timeless lesson in cultivating gratitude. In our daily lives, it invites us to pause and reflect on the "آلَاءِ" that we often take for granted: our health, our families, clean water, shelter, food, the ability to learn and speak, and even the simple beauty of nature. Every breath, every sunrise, every comfort is a bounty from Allah. By regularly reflecting on this verse, we are encouraged to move from a state of unconscious consumption to conscious appreciation. It prompts us to embody the jinn's response, declaring "Alhamdulillah" not just as a phrase, but as a heartfelt affirmation of gratitude for every single blessing, small or great, seen or unseen. This cultivates a heart filled with thankfulness and a spirit aligned with the Sustainer of all grace.
Sources: al-Qurtubi (al-Jami li-Ahkam), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ar-Rahman 55:13 is discussed in 8 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ar-Rahman 55:13 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.