Juz 24: Az-Zumar 32 to Fuṣṣilat 46
Section 13 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
13. Allah's Bounties, Guidance, and the Final Return | Verses: Ghafir 40:51-85
After describing the fate of tyrants like Pharaoh, Allah (swt) draws our attention to His bounties on earth. Among the greatest of these gifts is the natural cycle of day and night, each serving a distinct purpose in human existence. The night provides rest for the body and mind, while the day offers opportunity for seeking sustenance. This rhythm itself is evidence of divine design, showing Allah's mercy toward mankind.
In verse 61, Allah (swt) states:
اللَّهُ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَالنَّهَارَ مُبْصِرًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ
“Allah is the One who made for you the night, that you may have rest in it, and the day to let you see. Surely, Allah is most kind to people, but most of the people do not offer gratitude.”
The heavens serve as a protective covering for the earth, part of the intricate system designed for human benefit. These natural phenomena should inspire reflection on their Creator, leading to gratitude and worship. Yet most people remain heedless of these signs, failing to appreciate the wisdom behind creation.
In verses 65-67, Allah (swt) directs mankind to reflect upon their own creation, addressing the sophisticated stages of human development. The complex systems of the human body, from the digestive tract to self-healing mechanisms, all testify to Allah's perfect design. These verses invite contemplation on how a being could emerge from simple elements to become a thinking, feeling creation without divine guidance and planning.
From verse 69 onwards, Allah (swt) addresses those who dispute His signs:
أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ أَنَّىٰ يُصْرَفُونَ
“Have you not seen those who dispute about the verses of Allah? How are they turned away?”
Such individuals create misinterpretations and harbor negative responses to divine revelation. Allah (swt) warns of their ultimate fate on the Day of Judgment, providing consolation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by instructing him to remain patient as Allah's promise is true.
In verse 78, Allah (swt) reminds us that He sent many messengers throughout history:
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلًا مِّن قَبْلِكَ مِنْهُم مَّن قَصَصْنَا عَلَيْكَ وَمِنْهُم مَّن لَّمْ نَقْصُصْ عَلَيْكَ
“We did send messengers before you. Among them there are those whose history We have narrated to you, and of them there are those whose history We did not narrate to you.”
While the Quran mentions some prophets, many others remain untold. Yet all messengers shared a common limitation: they could not produce miracles of their own accord, but only with Allah's permission.
The surah concludes with a powerful scene of realization too late. In verses 84-85, Allah (swt) describes how disbelievers finally acknowledge the truth when confronted with divine punishment:
فَلَمَّا رَأَوْا بَأْسَنَا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَحْدَهُ وَكَفَرْنَا بِمَا كُنَّا بِهِ مُشْرِكِينَ
“When they saw Our punishment, they said, "We have believed in Allah alone, and rejected what we used to associate with Him.”
فَلَمْ يَكُ يَنفَعُهُمْ إِيمَانُهُمْ لَمَّا رَأَوْا بَأْسَنَا ۖ سُنَّتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي قَدْ خَلَتْ فِي عِبَادِهِ ۖ وَخَسِرَ هُنَالِكَ الْكَافِرُونَ
“But their profession of faith was not going to benefit them when they had seen Our punishment—a customary way of Allah that has been in practice for His servants—and on that occasion the disbelievers became losers.”
This conclusion emphasizes a fundamental principle in Allah's system: belief under duress, when facing imminent punishment, holds no value. Faith must be embraced willingly during life's opportunities, not desperately claimed at the moment of reckoning. The disbelievers will ultimately face loss, having rejected clear signs and squandered their chance for salvation.