هَـٰذَا ذِكْرٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ لَحُسْنَ مَـَٔابٍ 49
Translations
This is a reminder. And indeed, for the righteous is a good place of return -
Transliteration
Haatha dhikrun wa-inna lil-muttaqeena lahusna ma-aabin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that the Quran is a reminder (dhikr) and that for those who are God-conscious (al-muttaqeen), there is indeed an excellent final return or destination (hasanu ma-aab). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that the Quran serves as a comprehensive reminder for humanity, and assures believers that their ultimate end will be good and praiseworthy in the Hereafter. Al-Qurtubi notes that ma-aab (return/destination) refers to Paradise, highlighting the Quranic promise that piety leads to the best of all outcomes.
Revelation Context
Surah Saad is a Meccan surah revealed during a period when the Prophet (peace be upon him) and early believers faced opposition and ridicule. This ayah appears in a section addressing those who reject the Quran, reassuring believers that despite contemporary rejection, the Quran remains a timeless reminder and that the God-conscious will attain the ultimate good reward.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those with the best character' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Related also is the hadith: 'Whoever has taqwa (God-consciousness), Allah will make a way out for him from every difficulty' (Sunan Ibn Majah 4004).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that the Quran is eternally relevant as a guidance and reminder for all people, and that true success in this life and the next comes through cultivating taqwa—conscious awareness of and obedience to Allah. For believers facing doubt or opposition, it provides reassurance that those who maintain piety will ultimately attain the best of ends.