ٱتْلُ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلَذِكْرُ ٱللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ 45
Translations
Recite, [O Muḥammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allāh is greater. And Allāh knows that which you do.
Transliteration
Itlu maa uhiya ilayka mina al-kitabi wa-aqimi as-salata inna as-salata tanha 'an al-fahsha'i wa-al-munkari wa-la-dhikru Allah akbar wa-Allah ya'lamu ma tasna'un
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet (peace be upon him) to recite the Quran and establish the prayer, emphasizing that prayer serves as a safeguard against immorality and wrongdoing. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir highlight that prayer is a divine protection that purifies the soul and prevents one from committing sins, while the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is described as the greatest benefit and ultimate purpose of prayer. The ayah concludes with a reminder that Allah is fully aware of all human actions, serving as an incentive for sincere obedience.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-'Ankabut (a Meccan surah revealed during the period of persecution in Mecca) and is part of a broader section addressing the Prophet's mission and the believers' responsibilities. The context emphasizes the spiritual and moral fortitude required during trials, with prayer presented as the primary means of sustaining faith and resisting temptation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Prayer is the pillar of the religion' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Whoever guards the five prayers, Allah will grant him light on the Day of Judgment' (Ibn Hibban), demonstrating prayer's protective and purifying role mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Prayer is not merely a ritual obligation but a powerful spiritual tool that transforms the heart and protects believers from moral corruption; cultivating consistent prayer and remembrance of Allah should be central to one's daily life as the greatest source of meaning and moral strength.