وَقَلِيلٌ مِّنَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِينَ 14
Translations
And a few of the later peoples,
Transliteration
wa-qalīlun min-al-ākhirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to 'a few from the later generations' who will be among the companions of the right hand in Paradise. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as indicating that only a small number of people from later generations (after the Prophet's time) will achieve such high spiritual status, emphasizing the rarity of those who attain the ranks of the earliest believers and righteous servants. The ayah underscores that while Paradise has many inhabitants, the highest stations are reserved for an exclusive group whose righteousness and closeness to Allah are exceptional.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Waqi'ah is a Meccan surah that describes the Day of Judgment and the three categories of people on that day. This ayah appears in the section discussing the 'Companions of the Right Hand' (Ashab al-Maymanah), the successful believers in Paradise. The broader context emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Judgment and the varying degrees of reward based on one's deeds and proximity to Allah during their lifetime.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them' (Sahih Bukhari 3650), which relates to the scarcity of excellence in later generations. Additionally, the hadith about the 'best of my ummah being my generation' (Sahih Bukhari) supports the theme of fewer righteous individuals in subsequent eras.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that spiritual excellence and closeness to Allah are not easily attained and require sincere dedication, particularly for those in later generations who face greater challenges and distractions. It should inspire Muslims to strive earnestly in their faith, knowing that while the path to high spiritual stations is narrow, it remains open to those who commit themselves wholeheartedly to righteousness.