لَكُنَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ 169
Translations
We would have been the chosen servants of Allāh."
Transliteration
Lakunnā 'ibāda Allāhi al-mukhlaṣīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is part of the speech of the dwellers of Paradise, who wish that their people on earth had believed and followed them. They declare that if their people had heeded the message, they would have been among the sincere servants of Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this reflects the regret of believers for those who rejected guidance, and emphasizes that sincere servitude to Allah is the path to Paradise.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat's description of the Day of Judgment and the contrast between the inhabitants of Paradise and Hell. The broader surah discusses the ranks of angels and believers, making this statement part of the dialogue between the blessed in Paradise reflecting on those who rejected faith.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ṣallá Allāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: 'The best of you are those who have the best character' relates to the concept of being mukhlaṣīn (sincere servants). Additionally, the hadith about sincere intention in Sahih Bukhari emphasizes ikhlas (sincerity) as essential to righteous deeds.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that true success lies in being sincere servants of Allah alone, free from shirk and hypocrisy. It should motivate believers to call others to guidance and exemplify sincere faith, knowing that our choices in this life determine our eternal status.