Surah Ya Sin (Ya Sin) 36 : 48

Explanatory Note

Therefore, when those people, unable to see God’s wisdom, say, “are we to feed those whom God could have fed, had He so willed?” and when they speak arrogantly to those who ask them to be charitable, saying, “clearly, you are lost in error,” they betray their own ignorance. They are blind to the nature of God’s law, life’s movement and the reasons why God gave different talents and abilities to different people, with the result that they have different means. Islam puts in place a system that ensures fair opportunities for everyone. It then allows varied human activities, which are necessary for the fulfilment of man’s role on earth, to run their course. Furthermore, it deals with any negative side effects.

Finally the sūrah mentions their expressed doubts about God’s promise and their ridicule of the warnings given them:

“They also ask: When will this promise be fulfilled, if what you say be true?” (Verse 48)

God’s promise is not brought forward or delayed because of people’s pleas. With God everything has its definite measure; everything takes place at its appointed time and place, in accordance with His infinite wisdom. It is He who conducts the universe and all that happens in it according to a perfect system. The answer to this rude question is given in the form of a scene from the Day of Judgement, showing them what happens then, but not its timing.