بَلَىٰ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُۥٓ أَجْرُهُۥ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ 112
Translations
Yes, [on the contrary], whoever submits his face [i.e., self] in Islām to Allāh while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.
Transliteration
Balā man aslama wajhahu lillāhi wa huwa muhsinun falahu ajruhu 'inda rabbihi wa lā khawfun 'alayihim wa lā hum yahzanūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that true success and entry into Paradise belongs to whoever submits their entire being (wajh - face/self) to Allah while maintaining ihsan (excellence in worship and conduct). Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that 'aslama wajhahu' refers to complete dedication and sincere obedience to Allah, while being muhsin encompasses both internal purity of intention and external righteous deeds. The ayah concludes with the promise of reward from the Lord and freedom from fear and grief on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This verse appears in the context of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion of righteousness and belief. It follows the previous ayah (2:111) which mentions the claims of Jews and Christians about Paradise, serving as a correction that true righteousness transcends sectarian claims—it is based on sincere submission and righteous action regardless of one's background.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Verily, Allah does not look at your forms and wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and deeds.' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Additionally, the concept of ihsan is elaborated in the Hadith of Jibril where the Prophet defines ihsan as 'to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He surely sees you.' (Sahih Bukhari 50)
Themes
Key Lesson
True success lies not in mere claims of faith or tribal affiliation, but in wholehearted submission to Allah combined with excellent conduct and pure intentions. This ayah teaches that ihsan—striving to please Allah in all circumstances—is the gateway to eternal peace and divine reward, transcending all worldly concerns.