جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ 24
Translations
As reward for what they used to do.
Transliteration
Jazā'an bimā kānū ya'malūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah means 'A reward for what they used to do,' referring to the blessings and favors granted to the inhabitants of Paradise as recompense for their righteous deeds in the worldly life. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this phrase underscores the Divine justice and mercy—that Allah rewards His servants based on their actions, though the reward far exceeds the deed itself. The ayah reinforces the fundamental Islamic principle that all actions have consequences, and that Paradise is both earned through obedience and granted by Allah's grace.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Waqi'ah, a Meccan chapter that vividly describes the Day of Judgment and the conditions of the inhabitants of Paradise and Hell. It comes within a passage describing the luxuries and honors given to the righteous believers (As-Sabiqun) in Paradise, serving to motivate the believers toward good deeds by reminding them of the eternal rewards awaiting them.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'No one's deeds will enter him into Paradise.' They asked, 'Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'Not even me, unless Allah covers me with His mercy' (Sahih Muslim 2816). This hadith complements the ayah by showing that while rewards are based on deeds, entry to Paradise ultimately depends on Allah's mercy.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that their efforts in obedience to Allah are not in vain—every good deed is recorded and will be rewarded by the Most Just Judge. It should inspire us to perform righteous deeds consistently, knowing that Allah sees our actions and will reward them abundantly in the afterlife.