Every day, we wake up hearing familiar voices, seeing the world around us and making decisions with the understanding Allah has given us. These gifts can become so familiar that we stop noticing them. Then we encounter Surah Al-Mulk, verse 23, and find a gentle but serious reminder about gratitude.
Surah Al-Mulk 67:23: The Verse and Its Meaning
قُلْ هُوَ الَّذِي أَنْشَأَكُمْ وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ ۖ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ
“Say, it is He who brought you into being and gave you hearing, sight and hearts. Yet little thanks you give.”
The verse is not merely a list of physical abilities. It points us back to the One who gave us those abilities and invites us to consider what we do with them. Read it at Quran 67:23.
Three Gifts We Often Overlook
Hearing. We listen to conversations, notifications, opinions and advice all day. Yet how much of our listening makes room for the Quran, sincere counsel and what is beneficial?
Sight. Our eyes allow us to see loved ones, appreciate creation and read. How often do we use that gift to notice signs of Allah's greatness?
Hearts and understanding. We think, learn, reflect and choose. Tafsir al-Nasafi explains that hearing, sight and hearts are singled out because they are means through which knowledge is gained.
How Classical Scholars Explain This Verse
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah brought human beings into existence and blessed them with intellect and perception. The closing reminder, “little are you grateful,” points to how rarely these abilities are used in obedience to Allah and in avoiding what He has forbidden. See Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 14, p. 78.
Al-Tabari describes hearing as the means of listening, sight as the means of seeing, and hearts as the means of understanding. He explains that people show too little gratitude for these gifts. See Tafsir al-Tabari, vol. 23, p. 134.
Al-Qurtubi places the verse in the context of those who acknowledge Allah as Creator yet fail to worship Him alone. Gratitude is therefore more than recognising that blessings exist. See Tafsir al-Qurtubi, vol. 18, p. 219.
Gratitude Is More Than Saying Alhamdulillah
When something wonderful happens, we naturally say Alhamdulillah. A new opportunity, good news, or an unexpected provision can quickly remind us to be thankful. But what about the blessings that never stopped being there?
The classical commentaries point to a practical lesson: we show gratitude not only with words, but also in how we use what Allah has entrusted to us. Listening to beneficial words, reading the Quran and seeking sound knowledge can all be part of that effort.
Three Questions for Tonight
If you read Surah Al-Mulk before sleeping, take a quiet moment to ask: What good did I listen to today? What did I spend most of my time looking at? Did I use my understanding to make choices that draw me closer to Allah?
These questions are suggestions for personal reflection, not a claim that the verse literally spells out this daily exercise. Spiritual change often begins with recognising one blessing and taking one small step.
From Recitation to Understanding
Understanding the meaning of the Quran can deepen the way we reflect upon its verses. If you would like a gradual way to learn Quranic vocabulary and build a consistent routine, explore ThinkQuran.ai. Learning tools can support that journey, while qualified teachers and classical tafsir remain important sources of guidance.
O Allah, make us truly grateful for the hearing, sight and understanding You have given us. Guide us to use these gifts in ways that please You. Ameen.
References
- The Quran, Surah Al-Mulk 67:23
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 14/78
- Tafsir al-Tabari, 23/134
- Tafsir al-Qurtubi, 18/219
- Tafsir al-Nasafi, 3/516
This article combines sourced classical commentary with personal reflections. Its practical reflection questions are not direct quotations from the commentators.
