۞ مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ 31
Translations
[Adhere to it], turning in repentance to Him, and fear Him and establish prayer and do not be of those who associate others with Allāh
Transliteration
Munibina ilayhi wattaquh wa aqimu as-salata wa la takunu mina al-mushrikeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believers to turn back to Allah in repentance and obedience, fear Him, establish the prayer, and avoid associating partners with Him. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that 'munibeen' (turning in repentance) is the foundation of all righteous action, and the ayah presents a comprehensive framework for Islamic practice: sincere intention toward Allah, piety, consistent prayer, and avoiding shirk (polytheism). Al-Qurtubi notes that these three commands form the pillars of a believer's relationship with their Lord.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ar-Rum, a Meccan surah that addresses the pagans of Mecca and calls them to monotheism and righteousness. The broader context of verses 30-31 emphasizes the natural disposition (fitrah) Allah has created in humanity and calls people to recognize His oneness by turning away from polytheism and returning to Him in obedience.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The closest any of you can be to your Lord is in the middle of the night, so if you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith: 'The best of deeds is to establish the prayer at its time' (related by Ibn Majah) reinforces the emphasis on salah in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that genuine faith requires both internal devotion (turning to Allah with sincere hearts and fearing Him) and external practice (establishing prayer and avoiding idolatry). For modern believers, it serves as a reminder that spiritual growth demands constant repentance, conscious piety in daily decisions, consistent worship, and unwavering monotheistic conviction.