أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚ لَّهُمْ دَرَجَـٰتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ 4
Translations
Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.
Transliteration
Ulaa'ika humu al-mu'minoon haqqa, lahum darajatun 'inda rabbihim wa maghfiratun wa rizqun kareem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the true believers (those mentioned in the preceding verses who establish prayer and spend from what Allah has given them) as possessing genuine faith, and promises them elevated ranks with their Lord, forgiveness of sins, and generous provision. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that these rewards are specifically for those whose faith is demonstrated through righteous deeds—not mere verbal affirmation—and that the 'degrees' (darajat) refer to levels of honor and closeness to Allah in Paradise.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the description of true believers found in verses 2-4 of Surah Al-Anfal, which was revealed in Medina after the Battle of Badr. The context addresses the qualities that distinguish genuine believers from hypocrites and those with weak faith, particularly emphasizing their commitment to prayer and charity despite the hardships of early Islamic society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of people are those with the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2003), relating to the demonstration of faith through deeds. Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet emphasized that faith is 'that which settles in the heart and is confirmed by deeds.'
Themes
Key Lesson
True belief is not merely an internal conviction but must manifest through consistent righteous actions—particularly prayer and generosity—and those who embody this comprehensive faith receive not only spiritual elevation but also divine forgiveness and abundant blessings in this life and the next.
Related Ayahs
وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allāh has with Him a great reward.
يُجَـٰدِلُونَكَ فِى ٱلْحَقِّ بَعْدَ مَا تَبَيَّنَ كَأَنَّمَا يُسَاقُونَ إِلَى ٱلْمَوْتِ وَهُمْ يَنظُرُونَ
Arguing with you concerning the truth after it had become clear, as if they were being driven toward death while they were looking on.
إِن تَسْتَفْتِحُوا۟ فَقَدْ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلْفَتْحُ ۖ وَإِن تَنتَهُوا۟ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَإِن تَعُودُوا۟ نَعُدْ وَلَن تُغْنِىَ عَنكُمْ فِئَتُكُمْ شَيْـًٔا وَلَوْ كَثُرَتْ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
If you [disbelievers] seek the decision [i.e., victory] - the decision [i.e., defeat] has come to you. And if you desist [from hostilities], it is best for you; but if you return [to war], We will return, and never will you be availed by your [large] company at all, even if it should increase; and [that is] because Allāh is with the believers.
كَدَأْبِ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ ۙ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۚ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ
[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They disbelieved in the signs of Allāh, so Allāh seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and severe in penalty.