وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ 34
Translations
And those who [carefully] maintain their prayer:
Transliteration
Wa alladhīna hum 'alā salātihim yuhāfizūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the believers who are steadfast and vigilant in preserving their prayers, maintaining them with punctuality, proper performance, and presence of heart. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this vigilance (muhāfazah) encompasses both the outer obligations—performing prayer at its appointed times with proper conditions—and the inner dimensions of presence of mind and devotion. This attribute is presented as a characteristic of the truly successful servants of Allah who inherit Paradise.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ma'arij, a Meccan chapter that describes the Day of Judgment and the characteristics that distinguish the successful believers from the heedless. The surah presents a contrast between those who recognize the gravity of the Day of Resurrection and those who deny it, with this verse highlighting prayer as a foundational practice of the aware believer.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The first thing the Son of Adam will be asked about on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is good, then all his deeds will be good, and if it is bad, then all his deeds will be bad.' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Guard strictly the five prayers, especially the middle prayer (Asr)' (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true success lies not merely in occasional prayer, but in constant vigilance and dedication to this pillar of Islam. In our fast-paced modern lives, maintaining structured prayer with full presence and punctuality is a practical commitment that reflects our sincere relationship with Allah.