إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمْ خَيْرُ ٱلْبَرِيَّةِ 7
Translations
Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds - those are the best of creatures.
Transliteration
Inna alladhina amanu wa 'amilū as-sālihāt ulā'ika hum khayru al-bariyyah
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that those who believe in Allah and perform righteous deeds are the best of creation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this describes the highest rank of humanity—those whose faith is coupled with virtuous action. Al-Tabari notes that 'khayru al-bariyyah' (best of creation) encompasses all believers who embody sincere faith and good works, distinguishing them as superior to those who reject Allah's message or act unrighteously.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Bayyinah was revealed in Medina and addresses the distinction between believers and disbelievers in light of clear evidence (the bayyinah). This ayah concludes the surah by highlighting the ultimate reward and status of the faithful community, establishing a thematic contrast with those who reject the message presented in the preceding verses.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895). Additionally, the hadith 'The most complete of the believers in faith are the best of them in character' (Sunan Abu Dawud 4682) reflects the integration of iman and righteous action emphasized in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
True excellence in Islam is not achieved through belief alone, but through the harmonious integration of sincere faith with consistent righteous deeds. This ayah inspires believers to continually strive for moral and spiritual elevation, understanding that their actions directly reflect and validate their faith.