قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا كُنَّا قَبْلُ فِىٓ أَهْلِنَا مُشْفِقِينَ 26
Translations
They will say, "Indeed, we were previously among our people fearful [of displeasing Allāh].
Transliteration
Qalū innā kunnā qablu fī ahlināā mushfiqīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The inhabitants of Paradise say that before their entry into Paradise, they were fearful and cautious (mushfiqīn) within their families—meaning they lived with taqwa (God-consciousness) and were concerned about their religious obligations and accountability before Allah. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to their state in the worldly life where they demonstrated piety, fear of Allah, and vigilance in matters of faith, which earned them Paradise. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that 'mushfiqīn' conveys a sense of protective anxiety and concern for their families' religious well-being, reflecting their commitment to guidance and righteousness.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah At-Tur, a Meccan chapter describing the scenes of Paradise and its inhabitants. The context depicts the people of Paradise reflecting on their previous worldly conduct, establishing a thematic connection between righteous conduct on earth and reward in the Hereafter. The surah's overall message emphasizes accountability and the reality of the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' relates to the family-centered piety mentioned here. Additionally, the hadith in Jami' At-Tirmidhi about fearing Allah in private and public aligns with the concept of 'mushfiqīn' (being cautious and fearful of Allah).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true success lies in maintaining consciousness of Allah within our most intimate relationships and private moments with our families, recognizing that such mindfulness in this life becomes a source of joy and pride in the Hereafter. It reminds modern believers that family life is not separate from spiritual practice but is rather a primary arena for demonstrating faith and righteousness.
Related Ayahs
وَسِيقَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى ٱلْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُوهَا وَفُتِحَتْ أَبْوَٰبُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَٱدْخُلُوهَا خَـٰلِدِينَ
But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, "Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein," [they will enter].
قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ۚ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ ۗ وَأَرْضُ ٱللَّهِ وَٰسِعَةٌ ۗ إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ
Say, "O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allāh is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account [i.e., limit]."
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.
هَـٰذَا ذِكْرٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ لَحُسْنَ مَـَٔابٍ
This is a reminder. And indeed, for the righteous is a good place of return -