نِعمَةً مِن عِندِنا ۚ كَذٰلِكَ نَجزي مَن شَكَرَ

As a blessing from Us. Thus do We reward those who give thanks.

EXEGESIS

The preposition ʿindinā (from us) has an indication of the greatness of this blessing for it has the meaning of something that has been reserved and appropriated exclusively. This meaning would not be there if the verse had said niʿmatan minnā,[1] though in English they are both translated the same.

EXPOSITION

The verse mentions the reason why the family of Prophet Lot (a) were saved. Their salvation was a blessing given to them by God because they were thankful and grateful. As regards to which specific blessing they were grateful for, some have said it refers to the blessing of prophethood, i.e. the prophethood of Lot (a).[2] Their gratefulness was not a form of verbal thanks, but it was real belief in Lot (a) as a prophet and submission to him and obeying him.[3]

The verse is an application of a universal principle of Allah – an increase in blessings for those who are grateful and punishment for those who are ungrateful.

According to Muṣṭafawī, the root meaning of shukr (thankfulness) is to express appreciation, and it denotes gratefulness in response to receiving a blessing from the bestower, regardless of whether the blessing is spiritual or material.[4] There are different categories and levels of shukr: 1. Expressing thankfulness verbally. 2. Affirmation in one’s heart in addition to verbal expression. 3. Expressing gratitude through one’s actions. This is done by using the bounty given to one by God in the manner that He desires.[5]

In what can be considered a slightly different perspective of shukr, Subḥānī states that according to the scholars of ethics, there are three elements in gratitude: 1. Recognising the value and significance of both the blessing and the Bestower. 2. An internal reaction of humility towards the Bestower. 3. Acting in a manner that is in line with the intentions and edicts of the Bestower.[6]

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

According to Rāzī, the last part of the verse is intended to indicate that just as the family of Prophet Lot (a) were saved in this world, likewise, in the hereafter they shall be rewarded.[7]

[1] Ibn Ashur, 27/195.
[2] Munyah, 27/214.
[3] Safi, 5/103.
[4] Tahqiq, 6/99.
[5] Tahqiq, 6/101-102.
[6] Subḥānī, Manshūr-e Jāwīd, 13/280-281.
[7] Razi, 29/314.