Al-Furqan · Makki · ayah 74 of 77

Al-Furqan 25:74

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

“And those who say, "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes[1038] and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous."”

Saheeh International

Essence

The servants of the Merciful ask for a home where their eyes can finally stop roaming, and for a life others can safely follow.

A reflection

Not a proud parent's prayer

This is one of the most recited supplications in Muslim homes. It is said at weddings, over newborns, at the end of family gatherings. Its usual meaning, in many minds, is simple. Give us a happy family. Let our children turn out well: good grades, good jobs, good marriages, children we can be proud of.

The early commentators were unusually blunt that this is not what the ayah asks for. One said plainly: they did not want beauty or good looks; they wanted them to be obedient. Another commentary says there is no doubt the joy meant is in religion, not in worldly matters like wealth and beauty. An early preacher was asked whether this joy was in this world or the next. In this world, he said. Nothing cools the eye of a Muslim more than seeing a child, a parent, a brother or a friend obeying Allah.

A mother has her son's medical degree framed in the hallway, where every visitor sees it. She has not heard him pray in four years. When guests admire the frame, she smiles. Late at night, she finds the smile does not reach her eyes. The prayer she was taught as a girl was not asking for the frame.

One Companion's example is touching in its smallness. The coolness of the eye, he said, is seeing your child sitting and writing down knowledge of the religion.

That is the measure the ayah offers. Not how impressive the family looks from outside, but whether, when you look at them, your eyes can rest.

The full entry has 6 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.