Al-Mulk 67:2
The Sovereignty · Meccan · Juz 29 · Page 562
Life and Death
ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ ٱلۡمَوۡتَ وَٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحۡسَنُ عَمَلࣰاۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٢
Who hath created life and death that He may try you which of you is best in conduct; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
Allah created death and life to test which of you is best in deeds. He is the Mighty, the Forgiving.
Insight
According to Elmalılı, the succession of death and life brings a person into an arena of trial in which they compete in good work. This race is an order that rises from life to life, from beauty to beauty.
Reflect
How could you do something you do today ‘more beautifully’?
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›