Audio summary:

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/58bfa70a-8d9c-434d-97fa-4c0818554802/audio

Here is the translation and tafsir (exegesis) of Surah Ash-Shura (42:27) from Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abul Ala Maududi:

Translation:

“If Allah were to grant ample sustenance to His servants, they would go about transgressing in the land. But He sends down in due measure whatever (sustenance) He wills. Surely He is Well-Aware and All-Seeing concerning matters that relate to His servants.”

Tafseer (Commentary):

This verse highlights a profound aspect of divine wisdom in the distribution of sustenance (rizq). Allah, in His infinite knowledge and mercy, does not provide His servants with unlimited provisions, even though He has the power to do so. The reason is that excessive wealth and resources often lead people to arrogance, oppression, and transgression on earth. Human history bears witness to the fact that when individuals or nations amass unchecked wealth, they tend to exceed limits, exploit others, and disrupt the balance of justice and morality.

Instead, Allah provides sustenance in a measured amount, tailored to what He deems appropriate for each individual or community, based on His perfect knowledge and vision. This “due measure” reflects His wisdom in maintaining equilibrium in the world and preventing chaos that could arise from unrestrained abundance. The verse emphasizes that Allah is not unaware or indifferent to the needs of His servants; rather, He is “Well-Aware” (Khabir) of their conditions and “All-Seeing” (Basir) of their circumstances, ensuring that what they receive aligns with their ultimate benefit, both in this world and the Hereafter.

This measured distribution also serves as a test—some are tested with abundance, others with scarcity—encouraging gratitude, patience, and reliance on Allah. The underlying message is a reminder of human dependence on divine wisdom and the need to avoid the pitfalls of excess, which could lead to moral and social corruption.

This explanation aligns with the broader theme of the surah, which emphasizes Allah’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy in managing the affairs of creation.