وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ طَرَفَىِ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ يُذْهِبْنَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ذِكْرَىٰ لِلذَّٰكِرِينَ 114
Translations
And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
Transliteration
Wa aqim as-salata tarafi an-nahari wa zulafan min al-layl. Inna al-hasanati yudhhibna as-sayyiat. Dhalika dhikra lil-dhakirin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the establishment of prayer at the two ends of the day (morning and evening) and during parts of the night, referring to the five daily prayers and optional night prayers. The verse emphasizes that good deeds erase sins, and this principle serves as a reminder for those who remember and reflect. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that prayer is the greatest of good deeds and the most effective means of seeking Allah's forgiveness and maintaining spiritual purity.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Hud, a Meccan surah that emphasizes patience, monotheism, and obedience to Allah. It comes within the context of instructions to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding steadfastness in worship and serves as guidance for all believers in maintaining their spiritual obligations despite worldly challenges.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The five prayers and Friday to Friday are an expiation for what is between them.' (Sahih Muslim 233). Also, 'Whoever guards the five prayers, they are light and proof on the Day of Resurrection for whoever does them.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 213)
Themes
Key Lesson
Regular prayer and consistent good deeds are powerful means of spiritual purification and forgiveness; believers should maintain prayer at its prescribed times as a constant defense against sin and a path to drawing closer to Allah.