Surah Al-Ma'arij, Ayah 19-21
Reflection
These verses describe the natural human tendency toward impatience and selfishness. Humans are created with a disposition that makes them restless and anxious by nature. When faced with hardship, they become impatient and complain, and when blessed with good fortune, they become stingy and reluctant to share. However, this description of human nature is not meant to excuse these behaviors but to highlight the spiritual challenge that humans face. The following verses in the surah describe how believers can overcome these natural tendencies through prayer, charity, and faith. This teaches self-awareness about human weaknesses and the need for spiritual discipline to develop better character.
Context
These verses appear in Surah Al-Ma'arij (The Ascending Stairways), which discusses human nature and the qualities that distinguish the righteous from others. They set up a contrast with the positive qualities mentioned later in the surah.