ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَهُم بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ 4
Translations
Who establish prayer and give zakāh, and they, of the Hereafter, are certain [in faith].
Transliteration
Alladhina yuqimuna as-salata wa yu'tuna az-zakata wa hum bil-akhirati hum yuqninun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the characteristics of the believers (al-muttaqin) mentioned in the previous verses: those who establish prayer, give zakah, and have firm conviction in the Hereafter. Ibn Kathir explains that these three qualities—prayer, zakah, and belief in the Last Day—represent the foundation of Islamic practice and faith, combining both external deeds and internal certainty. Al-Tabari emphasizes that yuqinun (are certain) denotes absolute conviction without doubt, reflecting the true believer's unwavering confidence in Allah's promises.
Revelation Context
Surah Luqman, revealed in Mecca, focuses on moral teachings and divine guidance. This ayah appears in the opening section (verses 1-9) that describes the characteristics of the pious (muttaqun) who benefit from the Quran's guidance, providing the foundation for understanding Luqman's subsequent moral advice to his son.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The best of deeds are: to believe in Allah and His Messenger, to strive in Allah's cause with your property and your life, and to speak the truth.' (Sunan An-Nasa'i) Additionally, 'Prayer is the pillar of the faith' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi) connects to the emphasis on establishing salah in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
These three qualities—consistent prayer, charitable giving, and absolute faith in Divine accountability—form the spiritual backbone of a believer's life and should work together to shape both personal conduct and social responsibility. Modern Muslims should reflect that true belief cannot be separated from action; conviction in the Hereafter naturally motivates righteous deeds in this world.