Security and Provision
رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا، وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللَّهِ، وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ.
رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ
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“My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits, those of them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.”
Form: Verbs in the imperative (“ij’al” — make, “urzuq” — provide). It is Ibrahim’s supplication for the spiritual and material well-being of Mecca. Concern for security precedes the request for material provision.
Tafsir of Sheikh Abd al-Rahman al-Saadi
Sheikh al-Saadi notes: “Ibrahim asked Allah for two great things for Mecca: security from fear and wars, and an abundance of provision. Security is the foundation for a full life and for the performance of worship.”
Tafsir of Imam Ibn Kathir
Ibn Kathir explains: “In his supplication Ibrahim singled out the believers out of God-consciousness, but Allah answered that in the worldly life He will grant provision even to the disbeliever, though in the Eternal life the latter will be deprived of rewards.”
Tafsir al-Baghawi
“…And (mention) when Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord! Make this…’ that is, Mecca. It is also said: the Sacred Territory.
“…a city of safety…” a secure place where its inhabitants live in peace.
“…and provide its inhabitants with fruits…” Ibrahim (peace be upon him) asked for this because this place lay in a valley devoid of vegetation.
“…those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day…” He asked Allah exclusively on behalf of the believers. “…He said…” Allah, Exalted is He.
“…‘And as for those who disbelieve, I shall also let them enjoy themselves for a little while…’ That is: I shall provide even the disbeliever with sustenance, but only a little and only until the end of his lifespan. For Allah has promised sustenance to all creation—both believers and disbelievers. But the qualification ‘a little’ indicates that the blessings of this world are insignificant.
“…then I shall drive them…” that is, I shall bring him on the Day of Judgment.
“…to the punishment of the Fire.’ How terrible a place of return it is!” That is, how evil is the end to which he will come.
In “Sahih al-Bukhari” (No. 2129) it is reported from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “O Allah! Ibrahim made Mecca sacred and prayed for its inhabitants, and I make Medina sacred…”