إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَأَخْبَتُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ 23
Translations
Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds and humbled themselves to their Lord - those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide eternally therein.
Transliteration
Inna alladhīna āmanū wa ʿamilū al-ṣāliḥāti wa-akhbatū ilā rabbihim ulāʾika aṣḥābu al-jannah, hum fīhā khālidūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the qualities of those destined for Paradise: believers who combine sound faith with righteous deeds and humble submission to their Lord. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the term 'akhbatū' (humbled/submitted themselves) emphasizes the spiritual humility and sincere devotion required alongside good works, indicating that Paradise is the eternal reward for those whose faith manifests in both action and humble servitude to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Hud, a Meccan surah that emphasizes the consequences of accepting or rejecting divine guidance through stories of prophets. It comes as a direct contrast to the previous verses describing those who reject faith, providing comfort to believers and clarifying the ultimate reward for steadfast submission during the trials of early Islamic Medina's opposition.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done continuously, even if small' (Sahih Bukhari 6464), reinforcing the importance of consistent righteous action. Also relevant is: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' (Sahih Muslim 45), reflecting the comprehensive nature of righteous deeds rooted in humility.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith must be accompanied by consistent righteous action and genuine humility before Allah—it is this balanced combination of belief, works, and sincere servitude that leads to eternal success. For believers today, this ayah teaches that Paradise is not achieved through mere verbal claims of faith, but through a holistic commitment that manifests in both deeds and a humble, devoted heart.