إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ 121
Translations
Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.
Transliteration
Inna kadhalika najzi al-muhsineen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah rewards those who do good deeds (al-muhsineen) in this manner—with honor, respect, and divine favor. Ibn Kathir explains that this verse comes in the context of Allah's praise for Ibrahim (Abraham), and demonstrates that excellence in faith and action receives Allah's recognition and generous recompense. Al-Qurtubi notes that this principle applies universally to all who maintain ihsan (excellence in worship and conduct), whether in the time of Ibrahim or any generation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat, which is Meccan and focuses on tawhid (monotheism) and the stories of the prophets. Verse 121 specifically follows the narrative of Ibrahim's obedience and submission to Allah, serving as a divine confirmation that such steadfastness and excellence are rewarded by Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad deeds,' and then explained that whoever intends good but does not commit it, Allah still writes it as a complete good deed—demonstrating the principle of rewarding ihsan (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the hadith 'Indeed, Allah loves those who do ihsan' (Muslim) directly correlates with this ayah's theme.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that excellence in faith and deeds does not go unnoticed by Allah; sincere effort and ihsan are always rewarded, even if recognition doesn't come immediately in this world. It encourages Muslims to maintain high standards in their worship and conduct, knowing that Allah's reward for the muhsineen is certain and generous.