Surah Ad-Duha 93:5
سُورَةُ الضُّحَىٰ · Meccan · Verse 5 of 11
وَلَسَوْفَ يُعْطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضَىٰٓ
Translation
your Lord is sure to give you so much that you will be well satisfied.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This beautiful verse carries a powerful promise of future abundance and contentment, delivered directly to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It follows the preceding verse which highlights the superiority of the Hereafter, reinforcing Allah's unwavering care and support for His beloved Messenger.
Unwavering Certainty (وَلَسَوْفَ)
The verse opens with the Arabic words *Wa la sawfa*, which are rich in meaning. The "و" (*wa*) acts as a conjunction, connecting this promise to the previous statements of consolation. The "لَ" (*la*) is an emphatic particle, known as *lam al-ibtida'*, which underlines the certainty of the promise. It's like saying, "And indeed, most certainly." This is combined with "سَوْفَ" (*sawfa*), a particle indicating the future tense. Scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain that this combination of emphasis and a future particle signals that the promised gift is absolutely inevitable, "kā'in lā mahāla," even if it might unfold over time. This linguistic choice counters any despair and reassures the Prophet that what is promised will undoubtedly come to pass, for a wise reason, as al-Razi points out. It is a divine guarantee of what is to come.
A Boundless Gift (يُعْطِيكَ رَبُّكَ)
The phrase "يُعْطِيكَ رَبُّكَ" (Your Lord will give you) is deeply significant. Notice what Allah will give is not specified. Ibn Ashur notes that the object of giving is omitted to convey a vast and comprehensive scope. It implies that Allah will give the Prophet *everything* he desires, not just for himself, but also for his community. This encompasses victories in this world, the spread of Islam, and immense rewards in the Hereafter. The use of "رَبُّكَ" (Your Lord) rather than the general name "Allah" further emphasizes the intimate, compassionate relationship between Allah and the Prophet. As Ibn Ashur highlights, "Rabb" (Lord, Cherisher) carries connotations of kindness (*ra'fa*) and gentleness (*lutf*), showcasing Allah's special care and honor bestowed upon His Messenger.
Complete Contentment (فَتَرْضَىٰٓ)
The verse concludes with "فَتَرْضَىٰٓ" (and you will be pleased/content). The Arabic particle "فَـ" (*fa*), meaning "then" or "so," indicates that this contentment is a direct and swift consequence of the divine giving. It's not a contentment that comes after a long wait, but one that immediately follows the reception of Allah's blessings. Scholars like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi connect this profound satisfaction to the Prophet's immense love and concern for his community, mentioning the narration that he would not be fully content if even one person from his Ummah remained in the Fire. This highlights that Allah's promise of contentment is not just about personal reward, but also about the Prophet's deepest wish for his followers' salvation, encompassing his intercession for them. The breadth of this contentment truly makes the promise boundless.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ad-Duha 93:5 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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