Al-Hijr · Ayah 40

إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ 40

Translations

Except, among them, Your chosen servants."

Transliteration

Illa ibadaka minhum al-mukhlisin

Tafsir (Explanation)

This ayah is part of Allah's response to Iblis's request for respite until the Day of Judgment (15:36-44). Allah grants Iblis's request but exempts His sincere, devoted servants from being led astray by him. The phrase "al-mukhlisin" (the sincere ones) refers to those whose faith is pure and whose devotion is exclusively for Allah, free from hypocrisy and worldly motives. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this exception demonstrates Allah's protection of the believers who maintain genuine sincerity (ikhlas) in their faith and obedience.

Revelation Context

This ayah appears within the narrative of Iblis's dialogue with Allah after his refusal to prostrate to Adam. The broader context of Surah Al-Hijr (a Meccan surah) deals with themes of divine wisdom, accountability, and the spiritual struggle between good and evil. This specific ayah comes as a divine consolation to believers, assuring them that sincere devotion provides protection against Iblis's temptations.

Related Hadiths

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Verily, Allah does not look at your bodies or your wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and your deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Additionally, the hadith 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done with sincerity' (at-Tirmidhi) relates directly to the concept of al-mukhlisin.

Themes

Divine ProtectionSincerity (Ikhlas)Satan's LimitationsSpiritual DevotionDivine Mercy

Key Lesson

This ayah teaches believers that sincere devotion to Allah and purity of intention provide spiritual protection against temptation and evil whispers. It encourages Muslims to constantly examine and purify their intentions, recognizing that maintaining genuine ikhlas in worship and conduct is both a shield against Iblis's influence and a means of drawing closer to Allah's mercy.

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Related Ayahs

4:113An-Nisa

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ لَهَمَّت طَّآئِفَةٌ مِّنْهُمْ أَن يُضِلُّوكَ وَمَا يُضِلُّونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمْ ۖ وَمَا يَضُرُّونَكَ مِن شَىْءٍ ۚ وَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ مَا لَمْ تَكُن تَعْلَمُ ۚ وَكَانَ فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكَ عَظِيمًا

And if it was not for the favor of Allāh upon you, [O Muḥammad], and His mercy, a group of them would have determined to mislead you. But they do not mislead except themselves, and they will not harm you at all. And Allāh has revealed to you the Book and wisdom and has taught you that which you did not know. And ever has the favor of Allāh upon you been great.

17:75Al-Isra

إِذًا لَّأَذَقْنَـٰكَ ضِعْفَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ وَضِعْفَ ٱلْمَمَاتِ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُ لَكَ عَلَيْنَا نَصِيرًا

Then [if you had], We would have made you taste double [punishment in] life and double [after] death. Then you would not find for yourself against Us a helper.

28:21Al-Qasas

فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا خَآئِفًا يَتَرَقَّبُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ نَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

So he left it, fearful and anticipating [apprehension]. He said, "My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people."

2:137Al-Baqarah

فَإِنْ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِمِثْلِ مَآ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ فَقَدِ ٱهْتَدَوا۟ ۖ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِى شِقَاقٍ ۖ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

So if they believe in the same as you believe in, then they have been [rightly] guided; but if they turn away, they are only in dissension, and Allāh will be sufficient for you against them. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.