رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَـٰرَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَإِيتَآءِ ٱلزَّكَوٰةِ ۙ يَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ ٱلْقُلُوبُ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرُ 37
Translations
[Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allāh and performance of prayer and giving of zakāh. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about -
Transliteration
Rijālun lā tulhīhim tijāratun wa lā bay'un 'an dhikri-llāhi wa 'iqāmati-ṣ-ṣalāti wa 'itā'i-z-zakāti yakhāfūna yawman tataqallabi fīhi-l-qulūbu wa-l-'absāru
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes righteous men whom worldly commerce and trade do not distract from remembrance of Allah, establishing prayer, and giving zakah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these are believers who prioritize their spiritual obligations despite material pursuits, constantly conscious of the Day of Judgment when hearts and eyes will be turned upside down (a metaphor for the terror and upheaval of Resurrection). Al-Qurtubi emphasizes this describes those whose hearts remain attached to the Divine despite worldly engagement, reflecting the balance between legitimate livelihood and spiritual devotion.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nur (Chapter 24), a Medinan chapter primarily addressing conduct, modesty, and faith. It comes within a passage praising the qualities of true believers and their devotion to Allah's remembrance. The broader context addresses various aspects of Islamic social ethics and personal piety during the Medinan period when the Muslim community was establishing itself.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: 'The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others' (Al-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith: 'The merchant who is truthful and trustworthy will be with the prophets on the Day of Judgment' (Jami' At-Tirmidhi) relates to the theme of conducting trade righteously while maintaining spiritual priority.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that engaging in lawful commerce and earning a livelihood is permissible in Islam, but must never eclipse one's relationship with Allah and religious duties. For modern believers, it emphasizes that success is not measured by material wealth alone, but by maintaining mindfulness of God and preparing for the eternal consequences of our actions.