وَيَزِيدُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟ هُدًى ۗ وَٱلْبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ مَّرَدًّا 76
Translations
And Allāh increases those who were guided, in guidance, and the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for recourse.
Transliteration
Wa yazīdu Allāhu alladhīna ihtadaw hudā, wa al-bāqiyātu as-sālihātu khayrun 'inda rabbika thawāban wa khayrun maraddā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah increases in guidance those who have already been guided, emphasizing the principle of progressive spiritual development—the more one seeks truth, the more Allah facilitates it. The second part affirms that righteous deeds (particularly the remembrance of Allah and good works) are superior both as reward in the Hereafter and as the best inheritance or legacy in this life. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret this as reflecting Allah's justice: those who sincerely seek guidance receive it abundantly, while the fruits of righteous action surpass all worldly gains.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah of Maryam, which emphasizes divine mercy, prophetic history, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. It comes within a passage addressing the believers' response to revelation and the contrast between those who accept guidance and those who reject it. The context reflects the early Islamic period's focus on encouraging the faithful during persecution.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3895), relating to the lasting value of righteous deeds. Also relevant: 'Whoever seeks knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise' (Sahih Muslim 2699), reflecting the principle of increasing guidance for those who seek it.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that spiritual progress is not static—sincere seekers of truth receive ever-increasing clarity from Allah, while our righteous actions create a lasting impact far superior to material accumulation. It encourages believers to continually strive for improvement, knowing that every good deed carries eternal weight and that authentic guidance builds upon itself.