Surah Al-Waqi'ah — Verse 67

Word Meanings:

• Bal (بَلْ): "Rather" or "Nay" — used here for transition to a more accurate statement, indicating a shift from a mistaken perception to the reality.
• Naḥnu (نَحْنُ): "We" — referring to the people speaking.
• Maḥrūmūn (مَحْرُومُونَ): "Deprived" — meaning those who are denied or prevented from receiving something, specifically here, deprived of sustenance or provision (rizq).

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse continues the scene of people who, after seeing their crops destroyed by calamity — turned into dry, broken chaff useless for any benefit — stand in shock and regret. They first exclaim, "Indeed, we are losers!" (as mentioned in the preceding verse), and then they correct themselves, saying: "Rather, we are deprived!" This second statement is more precise and profound: they realize that what befell them was not merely a loss they could recover from, but a complete deprivation of the very sustenance Allah had granted them. The word "maḥrūmūn" carries the sense of being cut off from provision, as if the door of mercy and blessing had been shut in their faces.

This is a powerful lesson in humility and recognition of Allah's absolute control over all means of livelihood. The people acknowledge that their efforts, their ploughing, their sowing — none of it could guarantee the outcome. The harvest was entirely in Allah's hands, and when He willed, He turned their green fields into dust. Their words reflect a deep, albeit painful, awareness: they had no right to claim the crop as their own achievement, for it was a gift from Allah, and He can withdraw His gift at any moment.

Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this scene. How often do we plan, work, and strive, only to see our efforts crumble before our eyes? The farmer who waters his land, the employee who works tirelessly, the student who studies day and night — all of them depend on Allah's decree for the outcome. This verse teaches us a beautiful truth: our provision (rizq) is not earned by our strength alone, but granted by Allah's mercy. When we face loss, we should not despair or blame ourselves excessively, nor should we become arrogant in times of abundance. Instead, we should turn to Allah with humility, acknowledging that He is the Provider, the Sustainer, and the One who withholds. This recognition purifies our hearts from pride and attaches them to the Most Merciful. So, when you plant a seed — whether in the earth or in your life's endeavors — remember that the growth comes from Allah. And if you face deprivation, let it draw you closer to Him, not push you away. For the One who can turn a barren land into a garden can also turn your hardship into ease, if you turn to Him with sincerity and trust.