لِّيَجْزِىَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ بِصِدْقِهِمْ وَيُعَذِّبَ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ إِن شَآءَ أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا 24
Translations
That Allāh may reward the truthful for their truth and punish the hypocrites if He wills or accept their repentance. Indeed, Allāh is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Li-yajziya Allahu as-sadiqeen bi-sidqihim wa-yu'aththiba al-munafiqeen in sha'a aw yatuba 'alayhim. Inna Allaha kana ghafuran rahimah.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah will reward the truthful (as-sadiqeen) for their truthfulness and sincerity, while hypocrites (al-munafiqeen) will be punished unless they repent and Allah grants them mercy. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse highlights the ultimate justice of Allah—rewarding authentic faith and sincere deeds while warning against the spiritual danger of hypocrisy, yet leaving the door open for repentance and divine mercy.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Ahzab, revealed in Medina during the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwat Al-Ahzab, 5 AH), when the Muslim community faced severe external and internal threats. The surah frequently addresses hypocrites (munafiqun) who wavered during trials, making this verse a reminder that Allah distinguishes between the sincere believers and those whose hearts are divided.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), reflecting the reward for truthfulness and sincere conduct. Additionally, 'Whoever conceals (hides) the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment' (Sahih Muslim 2590), emphasizing Allah's mercy toward the truthful.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that authenticity in faith and sincerity of intention are the foundation of spiritual success, while warning against the spiritual emptiness of hypocrisy. It also offers hope through Allah's mercy—that even those who have strayed can find redemption through genuine repentance.
Related Ayahs
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ وَلِقَآئِهِۦ فَحَبِطَتْ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ فَلَا نُقِيمُ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ وَزْنًا
Those are the ones who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and in [their] meeting Him, so their deeds have become worthless; and We will not assign to them on the Day of Resurrection any weight [i.e., importance].
۞ لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ وَزِيَادَةٌ ۖ وَلَا يَرْهَقُ وُجُوهَهُمْ قَتَرٌ وَلَا ذِلَّةٌ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
For them who have done good is the best [reward] - and extra. No darkness will cover their faces, nor humiliation. Those are companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.
فَلَا تَكُ فِى مِرْيَةٍ مِّمَّا يَعْبُدُ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ۚ مَا يَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا كَمَا يَعْبُدُ ءَابَآؤُهُم مِّن قَبْلُ ۚ وَإِنَّا لَمُوَفُّوهُمْ نَصِيبَهُمْ غَيْرَ مَنقُوصٍ
So do not be in doubt, [O Muḥammad], as to what these [polytheists] are worshipping. They worship not except as their fathers worshipped before. And indeed, We will give them their share undiminished.
كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.