Tafsir of Ad-Dhuha 93:11

Surah Ad-Duha (The Morning Light): Verse 11

{And as for the bounty of your Lord, proclaim it.}

There are several interpretations regarding this bounty:

1. The Quran: Mujahid said that this bounty is the Quran. The Quran is the greatest favor Allah bestowed upon the Prophet, peace be upon him. Proclaiming it means reciting it, teaching it to others, and clarifying its realities to them.
2. Prophethood: It is also narrated from Mujahid that this bounty is Prophethood itself, meaning: convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord.
3. Success in Righteous Deeds: If Allah grants you success to uphold the rights of the orphan and the beggar, that success is a bounty from Allah upon you, so proclaim it so that others may emulate you. Related to this is what is narrated from Al-Husayn ibn Ali (peace be upon him), who said: "If you do good, tell your brothers so they may follow your example." However, this is only appropriate if it does not involve showing off (riya') and if one genuinely believes others will emulate them.

In this context, when the Commander of the Faithful, Ali (peace be upon him), was asked about the Companions, he praised them and mentioned their virtues. When they asked him to speak about himself, he said, "Hold on, for Allah has forbidden self-praise (tazkiyah)." They replied, "But does not Allah Almighty say: {And as for the bounty of your Lord, proclaim it}?" He responded, "Indeed, I do proclaim. When I was asked, I gave, and when I remained silent, I initiated [the discourse]. Within my chest is abundant knowledge, so ask me."

Regarding the wisdom of Allah placing the right of the orphan and the needy after the right of His own bounty:

1. Difference in Need: It is as if He is saying: "I am self-sufficient (rich), while they are needy. Prioritizing the right of the needy is more fitting."
2. Action vs. Statement: He assigned the action (caring for the needy) to them (the Prophet and the believers) and reserved the statement (proclaiming the bounty) for Himself (via the Prophet).
3. Climax of Obedience: The ultimate goal of all acts of obedience is the heart's complete immersion in the remembrance of Allah. Therefore, He made the culmination of these acts the proclamation by the heart and tongue of Allah's bounties, so that the conclusion of obedience rests upon the remembrance of Allah.

He chose the word {فحدث} (Fa-haddith - so proclaim/narrate) over {فأخبر} (Fa-akhbir - so inform) so that this proclamation becomes a continuous narrative that is not forgotten and is repeated time and again.

And Allah knows best. May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad, his family, and his companions.