Man kana yureedu thawaba addunyafaAAinda Allahi thawabu addunya wal-akhiratiwakana Allahu sameeAAan baseera
——— Transliteration
What Does Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 134 Mean? - Common Questions & Answers
Explore the meaning, interpretation, and Islamic explanation of Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 134 from the Holy Quran. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this verse, its context, and significance in Islamic teachings.
❓What is the meaning and significance of An-Nisa 4:134 about Allah's rewards?
An-Nisa 4:134 states: 'Whoever desires the reward of this world, then with Allah is the reward of this world and the hereafter. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.' This verse teaches that Allah owns the rewards of both worlds and encourages believers to seek comprehensive blessings rather than limiting themselves to worldly pursuits only. It addresses those focused solely on material success, informing them of Allah's broader generosity.
❓How does this verse encourage balanced Islamic living and high spiritual aspirations?
The tafsir explains that this verse combats 'clear foolishness and low ambition' of seeking only worldly gains when Islam guarantees success in both worlds. It encourages believers to have high aspirations and seek both material and spiritual success through divine guidance. The verse transforms narrow worldly focus into expansive spiritual vision, promoting a balanced Islamic lifestyle that addresses both temporal and eternal needs.
❓What is the connection between this verse and the famous dua 'Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasana'?
Ibn Kathir explains that this verse connects directly to the Quranic prayer: 'Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the next world, and save us from the punishment of the Fire!' (2:201). Both teach believers to ask Allah for comprehensive blessings. The verse validates this balanced approach to supplication, showing that Allah encourages seeking both worldly and spiritual success rather than artificial separation between them.
❓What does the phrase 'wa kana Allahu samee'an baseera' teach about Allah's attributes?
The concluding phrase 'And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing' (samee'an baseera) indicates that Allah hears all prayers and sees all intentions. The tafsir explains that Allah knows who deserves what rewards and recognizes every person's true merit. This provides both comfort - that sincere prayers are heard - and accountability - that all intentions and actions are perfectly observed by Allah.
❓How does this verse relate to the preceding context about Allah's ownership and power?
This verse follows the discussion of Allah's ownership of everything in heavens and earth and His power to replace disobedient nations. It shows the positive aspect of divine sovereignty - that the same Allah who owns everything is also the generous source of all rewards. The tafsir connects Allah's absolute ownership to His unlimited capacity to bless those who seek Him properly with both worldly and spiritual success.
❓What practical guidance does this verse offer for Muslim priorities and goal-setting?
The verse teaches Muslims to avoid limiting their aspirations to either purely worldly or purely spiritual goals. The tafsir emphasizes seeking both worlds through proper relationship with Allah rather than neglecting either aspect. It encourages comprehensive life planning that includes both material success and spiritual development, showing that Islam supports holistic human flourishing when grounded in divine guidance and proper intentions.
❓How does this verse address the concern of those who focus primarily on worldly success?
The verse specifically addresses 'whoever desires the reward of this world,' showing Allah's mercy toward those with worldly focus. Rather than condemning such desires, it informs them that Allah owns both types of rewards and can provide comprehensive success. The tafsir explains this as divine invitation to expand one's vision - if you're seeking worldly gains, why not also seek eternal rewards from the same generous Source?
❓What does this verse teach about the nature of true Islamic success and achievement?
True Islamic success encompasses both worlds rather than creating false dichotomy between them. The tafsir explains that a person can 'live on earth with feet on the ground while their soul soars in the heavens,' combining physical existence according to natural laws with spiritual connection to higher realms. This verse validates pursuing material well-being through halal means while maintaining spiritual growth and eternal perspective.
❓How should Muslims practically implement the guidance of this verse in their daily lives?
The tafsir suggests Muslims should correct their relationship with Allah through sincerity and fulfilling responsibilities, then ask Him for both worldly and spiritual success. This includes making balanced duas like 'Rabbana atina fi'd-dunya hasana wa fi'l-akhirati hasana,' working diligently in lawful pursuits while maintaining spiritual practices, and viewing both material and spiritual achievements as gifts from Allah rather than purely personal accomplishments.