وَلَأَجْرُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَكَانُوا۟ يَتَّقُونَ 57
Translations
And the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believed and were fearing Allāh.
Transliteration
Wa-la-ajru al-akhirati khayrun lilladhina amanu wa-kanu yattaqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the reward of the Hereafter is far superior to the temporary pleasures of this world for those who believe and practice taqwa (God-consciousness). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this verse comes at the conclusion of Yusuf's story as a reminder that true success lies not in worldly gains but in divine reward, and that patience in faith—exemplified by Prophet Yusuf—yields eternal benefits incomparably greater than earthly treasures.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the narrative of Surah Yusuf (12:111), serving as a thematic culmination of the entire story. It reflects the broader Meccan context of reassuring believers facing persecution and worldly hardship that their faith and patience will be rewarded abundantly in the afterlife, contrasting the temporary nature of worldly trials with the permanence of divine reward.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The world compared to the Hereafter is like what one of you puts his finger in the ocean—let him see what returns on his finger' (Sahih Muslim 2858). Additionally, 'The life of this world compared to the Hereafter is like the dipping of one of your fingers in the sea' (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers must prioritize eternal reward over temporary worldly gains, maintaining taqwa and steadfastness in faith despite life's challenges. The ayah teaches that true success is measured not by material prosperity but by one's standing with Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Related Ayahs
وَسْـَٔلِ ٱلْقَرْيَةَ ٱلَّتِى كُنَّا فِيهَا وَٱلْعِيرَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَقْبَلْنَا فِيهَا ۖ وَإِنَّا لَصَـٰدِقُونَ
And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came - and indeed, we are truthful.'"
لَقَدْ كَانَ فِى قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ۗ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَىٰ وَلَـٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.
۞ وَمَآ أُبَرِّئُ نَفْسِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلنَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌۢ بِٱلسُّوٓءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."
قَالُوا۟ تَٱللَّهِ لَقَدْ ءَاثَرَكَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَـٰطِـِٔينَ
They said, "By Allāh, certainly has Allāh preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been sinners."