قَالَ هَـٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ عَلَىَّ مُسْتَقِيمٌ 41
Translations
[Allāh] said, "This is a path [of return] to Me [that is] straight.
Transliteration
Qala hatha siratin alayya mustaqeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah responds to Iblis's request for respite by affirming that the path of monotheism and obedience to Him is straight and clear. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah demonstrates Allah's sovereignty in granting Iblis's reprieve while simultaneously establishing that the path to guidance remains accessible and evident to all who seek it, despite Satan's deception.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the dialogue between Allah and Iblis (Satan) in Surah Al-Hijr, where Iblis requests a delay in his punishment until the Day of Judgment (15:36-44). The broader context addresses the reality of Satan's existence and his role as a tempter, while emphasizing that Allah's guidance is always available to those who choose it sincerely.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Straight Path is Islam' (As-Sirat al-Mustaqim huwa al-Islam), directly relating to this ayah's reference to the straight path. Additionally, Hadith Qudsi in Sunan At-Tirmidhi: 'My Mercy encompasses all things' reflects Allah's wisdom in managing the test of Iblis.
Themes
Key Lesson
Despite the existence of temptation and evil in the world, Allah has made the path to righteousness clear and accessible to all; our responsibility is to consciously choose guidance and resist the whispers of Satan through steadfast adherence to Islamic principles.
Related Ayahs
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِٱلْحَقِّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ ۚ وَإِن تَكْفُرُوا۟ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا
O mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve - then indeed, to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allāh Knowing and Wise.
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَرِثُ ٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَنْ عَلَيْهَا وَإِلَيْنَا يُرْجَعُونَ
Indeed, it is We who will inherit the earth and whoever is on it, and to Us they will be returned.
أَوْ يُزَوِّجُهُمْ ذُكْرَانًا وَإِنَـٰثًا ۖ وَيَجْعَلُ مَن يَشَآءُ عَقِيمًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌ قَدِيرٌ
Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.
وَلَا تَنفَعُ ٱلشَّفَـٰعَةُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُۥ ۚ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُزِّعَ عَن قُلُوبِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ مَاذَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْكَبِيرُ
And intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits. [And those wait] until, when terror is removed from their hearts, they will say [to one another], "What has your Lord said?" They will say, "The truth." And He is the Most High, the Grand.