Aalaa’ (wondrous acts of power)
“Aalaa’” as “wondrous acts of power”.
The verse asks which of these wondrous acts of power will be denied. The focus is on recognition versus dismissal.
Ayah 55:36 — Reflection and Key Concepts
فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ
“Then, which of the Aalaa’ (wondrous acts of power) of the Lord of both of you will you both deny/declare to be false/dismiss/undermine?”.
Key concepts distilled
“Both of you”
The translation explicitly addresses “both of you”. The challenge is posed to two addressees, without exception in tone.
The wording stresses accountability for each of the two addressed.
Denial highlighted
Alternative renderings: deny, declare to be false, dismiss, undermine.
Judgement Day — the inescapable context
“There will be no escape”
The inevitability of Judgement Day—there is no escape.
In that certainty, the question presses: will denial still be maintained?
Gravity of the question
Against the backdrop of Judgement Day’s certainty, the challenge to denial becomes especially weighty.
Reflection prompt from the explanation
Consider
How dismissive do you feel now knowing that there will be no escape from Judgement Day?! Will you deny the Aalaa’ (wondrous acts of power) of your Lord at that time?!
Study orientation (grounded in the explanation)
Acknowledge the Aalaa’
Center your attention on the “wondrous acts of power” highlighted, not on dismissing them.
Guard against denial
Cautions against denying, declaring false, dismissing, or undermining.
Keep Judgement Day in view
Frames the question within the certainty that there is no escape from Judgement Day.
Posture of response
The tone urges moving away from dismissiveness and toward recognition of the “wondrous acts of power”.