إِلَّا ٱلْمُصَلِّينَ 22
Translations
Except the observers of prayer -
Transliteration
Illa al-musallin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah means 'except those who pray,' referring to those who are constant and devoted in their salah (prayer). The verse comes in a context describing those who will be saved from divine punishment on the Day of Judgment—those who maintain their prayers are excepted from the fate of the heedless. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this exception highlights the paramount importance of salah as a distinguishing characteristic of the believers, serving as a barrier between them and destruction.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Ma'arij is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam, addressing the disbelievers' mockery and denial of the Day of Judgment. This ayah appears within a passage (verses 19-35) that describes the punishment awaiting those who deny the Hereafter, while establishing that those devoted to prayer will be among the saved. The context emphasizes prayer as a fundamental pillar that separates believers from those heading toward ruin.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The covenant between us and them is prayer; so whoever abandons it has disbelieved' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Prayer is the pillar of the faith' (Sunan Ibn Majah) relates to the central role of salah highlighted in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that regular, mindful prayer is not merely a ritual but a vital spiritual practice that distinguishes the believer and serves as protection against spiritual ruin. Maintaining salah with consistency and sincerity is a practical pathway to securing one's standing before Allah and ensuring success in the Hereafter.