(فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ)
Then, which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
— Surah Ar-Rahman
Introduction: A Verse That Speaks to the Heart
I remember the first time I read Surah Ar-Rahman. Every time I came across the verse fabiayyi ala irobbikuma tukadziban, I felt something stir deep inside me. The repetition wasn’t just poetic—it was powerful. It made me pause and reflect.
This verse, repeated 31 times in Surah Ar-Rahman, is not merely a question. It’s a direct call to the soul. A reminder of the blessings we often overlook. It asks us again and again: Are you really denying the gifts of your Lord?
Let’s explore the deep meanings behind this beautiful verse.
Meaning of “Fabiayyi Ala Irobbikuma Tukadziban”
Arabic Verse
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
Transliteration: Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
Translation: Then, which of the favors of your Lord will you both deny?
This verse is a rhetorical question that appears throughout Surah Ar-Rahman. It is directed to both humans and jinn, reminding them of Allah’s countless blessings.
The word “Alaa” (آلاء) means blessings, favors, or miracles. Allah repeats this verse to emphasize His mercy and generosity. It’s a powerful way to make us think deeply and thank Him sincerely.
Surah Ar-Rahman – The Surah of Mercy and Balance
Surah Ar-Rahman (The Merciful) is the 55th chapter of the Quran. It is often called “The Bride of the Quran” because of its unmatched beauty, rhythm, and message.
This Surah speaks about:
- The creation of man and jinn
- The balance of the universe
- The favors of Paradise
- The punishment of Hell
And in between these themes, Allah keeps repeating:
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
This repetition is not random. It is meant to awaken our hearts. To make us reflect. To stop us from being ungrateful.
Explaining Each Blessing Mentioned Before the Verse
Let’s look at some of the verses that come before this repeated reminder and what they teach us:
1. Creation of Man
خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ كَالْفَخَّارِ
Transliteration: Khalaqal insaana min salsaalin kalfakhaar
Translation: He created man from clay like [that of] pottery.فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
We were created from simple clay. Yet look at us now—walking, speaking, thinking. Is this not a miracle?
2. Creation of Jinn
وَخَلَقَ الْجَانَّ مِن مَّارِجٍ مِّن نَّارٍ
Transliteration: Wa khalaqal jaaanna mim maarijim min naar
Translation: And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire.فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
Jinn are a hidden creation, but Allah knows them completely. This shows His perfect knowledge and power.
3. The Rising and Setting of the Sun
رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ الْمَغْرِبَيْنِ
Transliteration: Rabbul mashriqayni wa rabbul maghribayn
Translation: [He is] Lord of the two easts and Lord of the two wests.فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
Every sunrise and sunset is perfectly timed. It brings light, warmth, and balance. Can we deny this favor?
4. The Balance of the Universe
وَالسَّمَاء رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ الْمِيزَانَ
Transliteration: Was-samaa’a rafa’ahaa wa wada’al meezaan
Translation: And the sky He raised, and He set the balance.فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
The sun doesn’t crash into the moon. The Earth doesn’t spin out of control. Everything is in balance.
5. The Sweet and Salty Seas
مَرَجَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ
Transliteration: Marajal bahrayni yaltaqiyaan
Translation: He released the two seas, meeting [side by side].فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
The rivers and oceans meet, but their waters do not mix completely. This is a sign only Allah can create.
Why Is This Verse Repeated 31 Times?
It’s not for emphasis alone. Scholars say it serves different purposes:
- Reminder: We forget easily. This verse brings us back.
- Reflection: It gives time to pause and think.
- Gratitude: It pushes us to say Alhamdulillah from the heart.
Imam Al-Qurtubi mentions in his Tafsir that the repetition helps keep our hearts soft and responsive.
Real-Life Reflection: A Personal Note
Have you ever looked at your child sleeping and felt overwhelmed with love? Or walked under the stars and felt tiny but protected?
In those moments, this verse speaks directly to you.
“Which of Allah’s blessings will you deny?”
None. We cannot count them even if we try.
What We Can Learn From “Fabiayyi Ala Irobbikuma Tukadziban”
- Be Grateful – Don’t wait for things to go wrong to thank Allah.
- Reflect More – Read the Quran with meaning.
- Spread the Message – Teach others about these verses and their beauty.
Conclusion: Let This Verse Live in Your Heart
Every time you hear or read:
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
Stop. Reflect. Thank.
This verse from Surah Ar-Rahman is not just a reminder. It’s a gift. A spiritual wake-up call. A question that Allah lovingly asks us, again and again.
May we live every day with awareness of Allah’s blessings. And may we never deny the favors of our Most Merciful Lord.
Alhamdulillah for everything.
