A favour granted after rescue
The word “نِّعْمَةً (Ni’matan)” continues from the statement “We saved them before dawn,” indicating that the rescue itself was a favour bestowed “from Us”.
Ayah 54:35
نِّعْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِنَا ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي مَن شَكَرَ
“As a special favour from Us. In that way we reward whoever was grateful”.
The favour follows the saving “before dawn” — a relief and easing granted “from Us”.
“In that way We reward whoever was grateful” — a general principle that extends beyond the specific story.
Context of the Favour (Ni’mah)
Ni’mah: language insights
- • نِعْمَة (Ni’mah): a good state, comfort, ease, luxury.
- • نُعُومَة (Nu’oomah): softness, tenderness.
- • نَاعِم (Naa’im): soft, smooth, gentle, tender.
- • أَنْعام (An’aam): docile livestock (cows, sheep, goats) — a source of comfort and provision.
Lut (as): Relief and Separation
A plea and its answer
“My Lord, save me and my Ahly (family) from what they are doing.”
As a special favour, Allah saved Lut (as) and his family from the evil his people were engaged in, easing what he had endured.
Relief from burden
He was relieved of suffering and any pressure of guilt regarding his people’s transgression and denial. He was told there was nothing further he could do — they were for Allah to deal with.
“In that way We reward whoever was grateful”
General and far-reaching
Just as Lut and his family were saved, Allah will compensate anyone who is grateful.
Separation from harm
In this context, it can imply that Allah separates the grateful person from what harms him — as Lut was separated from his people and their practices.
Guidance amid trials
This informed the Sahabah and later Muslims facing trials: this is the way Allah rewards those who are grateful.
Gratitude as the Source of Sabr
The engine of perseverance
Lut (as) suffered greatly, yet patient perseverance arises from being grateful to Allah.
“In that way We reward whoever was grateful” addresses the very source of Sabr: gratitude to Allah.
Without gratitude
One who is not grateful to Allah will not be able to persevere patiently in the face of trials.
Language Deep Dive: Shades of Ni’mah
Good state
Ni’mah conveys being in a good condition — comfort, ease, and a relaxed state.
Softness and tenderness
Nu’oomah and Naa’im relate to softness, smoothness, gentleness, and tenderness.
An’aam (livestock)
Docile and beneficial — a source of human comfort and provision, aligning with the semantic field of ease.
Emphasis
كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي مَن شَكَرَ
In that way We reward whoever was grateful.
Key Takeaways
Favour as relief
The rescue “before dawn” exemplifies Ni’mah: relief, comfort, and being set in a good state.
Gratitude attracts protection
Gratitude is met with recompense — including being separated from what harms.
Patience flows from gratitude
Sabr’s source is shukr; without gratitude, patient perseverance fails amid trials.
A timeless message
The principle guided the Sahabah and those after them facing trials: gratitude is the path to Allah’s reward.