إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقَتْ لَهُم مِّنَّا ٱلْحُسْنَىٰٓ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَنْهَا مُبْعَدُونَ 101
Translations
Indeed, those for whom the best [reward] has preceded from Us - they are from it far removed.
Transliteration
Inna alladhina sabaqat lahum minna al-husnaa ulaika anha mubadun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those whom Allah has decreed beforehand will receive goodness and Paradise—these are the ones who will be kept far away from Hell. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'al-husnaa' (the good/goodness) as referring to entry into Paradise, indicating that those whom Allah's decree has predetermined for honor will be completely distanced from the punishment of Hell. The emphasis is on divine predestination combined with the promise of salvation for the righteous.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Anbiya is a Meccan surah that discusses the stories of the prophets and divine justice. This ayah appears in the context of the surah's discussion of the Day of Judgment and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked, serving as consolation for believers facing persecution and reassurance about divine justice.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever Allah has decreed will enter Paradise will enter it,' emphasizing predestination and Allah's knowledge. Also relevant is the hadith about the people of Paradise being far from the Fire in terms of distance and station.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah's mercy is vast and predetermined for the faithful, encouraging steadfastness in righteousness with the knowledge that those who trust in Allah and do good deeds are already secured from divine punishment. It provides comfort to struggling believers that their ultimate destiny with their Lord is known and protected.