Surah An-Nahl — Verse 67

Word Meanings:

• Sakaran (سَكَرًا): Intoxicating drink (wine), which was permissible before its prohibition.
• Rizqan Hasanan (رِزْقًا حَسَنًا): Good, wholesome provision — such as fresh dates, ripe grapes, raisins, vinegar, and sweet syrup (dibs).

Tafsir (Explanation):

Among the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon you is His creation of palm trees and grapevines. From their fruits, you derive two very different products: one is an intoxicating beverage that clouds the mind and leads to harm — and this was permitted before its clear prohibition — and the other is pure, wholesome nourishment that sustains your bodies and delights your senses. Think of the soft, sweet dates, the refreshing grapes, the nutritious raisins, and the many beneficial derivatives you prepare from them.

Indeed, in this very contrast — that the same source can yield both something harmful and something beneficial — lies a profound sign for people who use their intellect. A thoughtful mind cannot help but marvel at how Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has placed within nature both a test and a provision. He did not leave you without guidance; rather, He clarified what is good for you and what is not, and He sent His messengers to teach you the difference.

This verse gently reminds us that Allah’s blessings are not merely for consumption — they are invitations to reflect. When you taste a sweet date or sip pure grape juice, pause and consider: Who caused this fruit to grow from dry earth? Who sent down the rain and made the branches heavy with produce? It is Allah alone, the All-Powerful, the All-Wise. And when you witness how He transforms a tiny seed into a towering palm, you realize that the One who does this is certainly capable of resurrecting you after death and rewarding you for your deeds.

So, dear reader, let this reflection draw you closer to your Creator. Every fruit you eat is a living proof of His mercy. Every blessing you enjoy is a call to gratitude. And every sign you contemplate is a step toward faith. Do not let your intellect be used only for worldly matters — use it to recognize your Lord, to obey His commands, and to choose the *rizq hasan* — the pure and good path — in this life and the next.