فَٱجْتَبَـٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ فَجَعَلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ 50
Translations
And his Lord chose him and made him of the righteous.
Transliteration
Fajatabahu rabbuhu faja'alahu minas-saliheen
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah chose (اجتبى - istaba) Noah from among his people and elevated him by making him one of the righteous servants. This ayah emphasizes Allah's divine selection and favor upon Noah, granting him the distinction of righteousness and prophethood. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that istaba (choosing/selecting) indicates both Allah's will and the completion of Noah's character, making him worthy of this elevated status among the righteous believers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Qalam, which opens with the famous oath regarding the pen and knowledge. The surah contains a narrative about Noah's mission and his followers, contrasting the righteous believers with those who rejected the truth. This specific ayah concludes the description of Noah's character and Allah's favor upon him despite the rejection he faced from his people.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of the people are those of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them' (Sahih Bukhari 3650). Additionally, Hadith Qudsi states that Allah said: 'I am with those whose hearts are broken for My sake' - relating to how the righteous are chosen despite worldly hardships.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true honor comes not from worldly acceptance or numerical success, but from Allah's divine selection and approval. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that steadfastness in righteousness, even when rejected by society, is the path to divine favor and eternal honor.