Surah Ar-Rahman — Verse 63

Word Meanings:

• آلَاء (Aalaa): Blessings, favors, and bounties.
• رَبِّكُمَا (Rabbikuma): Your Lord (addressed to both mankind and jinn).
• تُكَذِّبَانِ (Tukadhdhiban): You both deny or reject (i.e., the two groups addressed).

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse is a powerful refrain that echoes throughout Surah Ar-Rahman, addressed directly to both mankind and jinn. After describing the two magnificent gardens prepared for the righteous, Allah mentions that there are two more gardens beyond them, and then poses this profound rhetorical question: "So which of the favors of your Lord do you both deny?"

The question is not asking for an answer—it is a challenge that leaves the listener speechless. It reminds us that every breath we take, every heartbeat, every moment of peace, every joy, every provision, and every mercy we experience is a favor from Allah. The blessings are countless, visible and hidden, in this world and the next. From the sun that rises each morning to the rain that revives the earth, from the gift of faith to the promise of Paradise—all are divine favors.

The repetition of this verse throughout the surah serves as a wake-up call. It invites us to pause and reflect: How can we, with all these blessings surrounding us, deny even one of them? How can we be ungrateful when our Lord has showered us with mercy after mercy? The verse gently rebukes while simultaneously drawing us closer to gratitude. It teaches us that the natural response to Allah's favors is not denial, but thankfulness, submission, and love.

This verse also carries a beautiful reminder for the believer: if we are surrounded by so many blessings in this temporary world, how magnificent must be the blessings of the eternal Hereafter? The gardens of Paradise, the rivers of milk and honey, the companionship of the righteous, and the vision of Allah Himself—these are the ultimate favors that no tongue can describe and no heart can fully comprehend. So let us not be among those who deny, but among those who say, "We believe and we are grateful."