Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Ad-Duha is a Makkan surah. It was revealed during a time when revelation had paused for a short period. Because of this delay, the disbelievers of Makkah began to say that the Lord of Muhammad had abandoned him. Allah revealed this surah to comfort His Messenger and remind him of the blessings that had been given to him.
The Oath of Allah (Verses 1–3)
Allah says
“By the forenoon.
By the night when it darkens.
Your Lord has neither forsaken you nor hates you.”
(Qur’an 93:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah swears by the forenoon and by the night when it becomes still and dark. These are signs of Allah’s power in creation, as He controls both light and darkness.
These verses were revealed when the revelation paused and the disbelievers began saying that Muhammad’s Lord had abandoned him. Allah therefore declared that He had not forsaken His Messenger and does not hate him.
The Promise of the Hereafter (Verses 4–5)
Allah says
“And indeed the Hereafter is better for you than the present.
And verily, your Lord will give you so that you shall be well-pleased.”
(Qur’an 93:4–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the life of the Hereafter is better for the Prophet than the life of this world. For this reason, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ lived with little attachment to worldly matters.
The Prophet ﷺ once described his relationship with this world by saying that his example and the example of this world is like a traveler who rests under the shade of a tree for a short time and then leaves it behind.
Allah also promises that He will give the Prophet blessings in the Hereafter until he is pleased.
The Blessings Given to the Prophet (Verses 6–8)
Allah says
“Did He not find you an orphan and gave you a refuge?
And He found you unaware and guided you.
And He found you poor and made you rich.”
(Qur’an 93:6–8)
Explanation
Allah reminds His Messenger of the blessings that had already been given to him.
The Prophet ﷺ was born an orphan because his father died before he was born. His mother died when he was six years old. After that he was cared for by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib, and then by his uncle Abu Talib who protected and supported him.
Allah also guided him with revelation and the Qur’an after he had not previously known the details of the Book or the faith.
Allah also enriched him after poverty and made him independent of others.
How a Believer Should Respond to Blessings (Verses 9–11)
Allah says
“Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression.
And repulse not the one who asks.
And proclaim the grace of your Lord.”
(Qur’an 93:9–11)
Explanation
Since Allah sheltered the Prophet ﷺ when he was an orphan, he is commanded not to oppress the orphan. Rather he should treat him with kindness and mercy.
He is also commanded not to repel the one who asks. This includes those who ask for help as well as those who ask for knowledge and guidance.
Finally, Allah commands His Messenger to speak about the blessings of his Lord and acknowledge them. Being grateful includes recognizing Allah’s favors and thanking Him for them.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Ad-Duha (93).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Ad-Duha.