ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ دَآئِمُونَ 23
Translations
Those who are constant in their prayer
Transliteration
Alladhīna hum ʿalā ṣalātihim dāʾimūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the believers who are characterized by their constancy and dedication to prayer, maintaining it regularly and with focus. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that 'dāʾimūn' (constant/perpetual) refers not merely to performing prayer mechanically, but to those who guard their prayers with consistent devotion, protecting them from negligence and distraction. This verse presents prayer as a distinguishing quality of the righteous on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ma'arij, a Meccan surah that describes the characteristics of those destined for Paradise and those destined for Hell. The surah establishes essential qualities of believers, with prayer being foremost among them, reflecting the Meccan period's emphasis on foundational Islamic principles.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has disbelieved' (Tirmidhi and Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, 'The best of deeds is prayer performed at its prescribed times' (various collections) emphasizes the importance of consistency in prayer.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true religiosity is measured not by occasional acts of worship, but by consistent, disciplined engagement with prayer. For modern readers, it underscores that spiritual growth requires daily commitment and making prayer a non-negotiable pillar of one's life rather than a burdensome obligation.