Surah Saba — Verse 35

Word Meanings:

• Amwāl (أَمْوَالًا) – Wealth, riches, material possessions.
• Awlād (أَوْلَادًا) – Children, offspring, descendants.
• Muʿadhdhabīn (مُعَذَّبِينَ) – Those who will be punished or tormented.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this verse, Allah informs us about the arrogant attitude of the wealthy disbelievers of old—those who enjoyed positions of power and luxury. When they were addressed by the poor believers with the truth of monotheism and the warning of the Hereafter, they responded with pride and self-conceit, saying: *"We are greater in wealth and children"*—meaning, "Look at us! We have been given abundant riches and numerous offspring. This is clear proof that Allah is pleased with us and that we are on the right path. If we were on falsehood, would He have granted us all these blessings?" And they added: *"And we will not be punished"*—neither in this world nor in the Hereafter. They believed that their worldly prosperity was a sign of divine favor and that no punishment could ever touch them.

This statement reveals a deep-rooted fallacy that has plagued humanity across time: the confusion between worldly provision and divine pleasure. They mistook Allah’s giving as a certificate of righteousness, and their abundance became a source of arrogance rather than gratitude. They used their wealth and children as arguments against the truth, thinking these were guarantees of safety from accountability.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this mindset. How many people today still fall into this same trap? They see a rich man and assume he must be beloved to Allah; they see a poor believer and assume he must be forsaken. But Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives wealth and children to both the righteous and the wicked, as a test—not as a reward. The true measure of honor is not in the abundance of possessions or the number of descendants, but in faith, obedience, and the fear of Allah.

The Qur’an repeatedly warns us that wealth and children are but adornments of this worldly life, while lasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and far better in hope. Do not be deceived by the glitter of this world, for it is fleeting. The one who is truly secure is not he who has the most, but he who fears Allah the most and prepares for the Day when neither wealth nor children will avail—except for one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.

Let this verse be a reminder for you to check your own heart: Do you feel safe from Allah’s punishment because of the blessings He has given you? Or do you realize that every blessing is a test, and that the only path to true safety is through sincere repentance, gratitude, and submission to your Lord? Allah does not punish out of injustice, but He is swift in reckoning and severe in punishment for those who persist in arrogance and deny His signs. Turn to Him before it is too late, for His mercy is vast, and His door of repentance is open until the final hour.