Tafseer of The Sovereignty · Al-Mulk · 67:2
[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -
Important: The Arabic source text is always authoritative. This translation is a study aid and has not been verified by scholars — do not use it as a basis for religious proof or for deriving rulings (ahkam). When in doubt, always consult the Arabic text and a qualified scholar.
And His word: The One who created death and life — He caused to die whom He willed and what He willed, and He brought to life whom He willed and what He willed, until an appointed term. that He might test you, which of you is best in deeds means: that He might put you to the test and see which of you, O people, is most obedient to Him and swiftest in seeking His good pleasure.
And Ibn ʿAbd al-Aʿlā related to me, saying: Ibn Thawr related to us, on the authority of Maʿmar, on the authority of Qatāda, concerning His word: The One who created death and life. He said: Allah humbled the son of Adam through death, and He made the worldly life an abode of living and an abode of perishing, and He made the Hereafter an abode of recompense and permanence.
Bishr related to us, saying: Yazīd related to us, saying: Saʿīd related to us, on the authority of Qatāda: The One who created death and life that He might test you. It has been mentioned that the Prophet of Allah (ṣ) used to say: "Indeed, Allah has humbled the son of Adam through death."
And His word: And He is the Almighty (al-ʿAzīz) means: and He is the Strong One whose retribution is severe against whoever disobeys Him and opposes His command. The Most Forgiving (al-Ghafūr) — for the sins of whoever turns to Him and repents of his sins.
