أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ 5
Translations
Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.
Transliteration
Ulaa'ika alaa hudan min rabbihim wa-ulaa'ika humu al-muflichun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to those described in the preceding verses (2:2-4) who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend from what Allah has provided them. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'guidance from their Lord' (hudan min rabbihim) means they possess true knowledge and correct understanding of faith, while 'al-muflichun' (the successful ones) denotes those who achieve ultimate success in both this life and the Hereafter. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that success is not merely material prosperity but spiritual triumph and divine approval.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes the opening section of Surah Al-Baqarah (2:1-5) which describes the characteristics of the believers for whom the Quran is guidance. This passage was revealed in Medina and serves to encourage the early Muslim community by contrasting the righteous with those who reject faith, establishing the foundational themes of the surah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), which relates to the guidance mentioned in this ayah. Additionally, 'Whoever acts upon what he knows, Allah will grant him knowledge of what he did not know' (Sunan Ibn Majah 230) reflects the concept of guidance leading to success.
Themes
Key Lesson
True success (falah) in Islam is not measured by worldly gains alone, but by following divine guidance with sincere faith and righteous action. For contemporary believers, this ayah reminds us that steadfastness in faith, prayer, and charity—combined with belief in the unseen—are the pathways to lasting success and divine favor.