وَمَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا۟ وَمَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ 35
Translations
But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good].
Transliteration
Wa mā yuallaqāhā illā alladhīna sabaru wa mā yuallaqāhā illā dhū haẓẓin ʿaẓīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that excellent character and noble conduct (الحسنى - al-ḥusnā, referring to the best and most beautiful attributes) can only be attained by those who exercise patience (ṣabr) and perseverance. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this gift of excellent character is granted only to those who possess great fortune and divine favor (ḥaẓẓ ʿaẓīm). The verse establishes patience as the prerequisite virtue for achieving moral excellence and spiritual elevation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Fussilat, a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam when the Prophet (ﷺ) and believers faced significant trials and opposition. The surah's broader context emphasizes Allah's signs, patience through adversity, and the spiritual rewards for those who maintain righteousness despite difficulties. This verse specifically addresses the believers' need to cultivate patience as a means of developing superior moral character.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever is given patience, is given abundant good (خير).' (Sahih Muslim 1053). Additionally, the Prophet stated: 'There is no gift better and more encompassing than patience.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 4259, Jami' at-Tirmidhi 4176).
Themes
Key Lesson
True excellence of character is not achieved easily or by everyone, but exclusively by those who cultivate patience through life's challenges. Modern believers should understand that developing noble character requires sustained effort and perseverance, treating difficulties as opportunities to strengthen both faith and moral integrity.