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
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.