ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ فِى صَلَاتِهِمْ خَـٰشِعُونَ 2
Translations
They who are during their prayer humbly intent
Transliteration
Alladhīna hum fī salātihim khāshi'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the believers as those who are humbled and submissive during their prayer (salah), demonstrating deep reverence and concentration in their worship. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that khushū' (humility/reverence) is the state of the heart that manifests through focused attention on Allah during prayer, free from heedlessness and worldly distractions. This quality is presented as one of the defining characteristics of true believers, indicating that the quality of prayer is measured not just by outward form but by the sincere devotion of the heart.
Revelation Context
This ayah opens the description of the characteristics of true believers (mu'minūn) in Surah Al-Mu'minun, which was revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam. The surah establishes the qualities that distinguish genuine believers from those who merely profess faith outwardly, with khushū' in prayer being emphasized as the first and foremost characteristic.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The prayer of a person who does not observe khushū' is incomplete.' (Tirmidhi) Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said: 'Prayer is light; whoever guards it, it will guard him on the Day of Judgment, and whoever neglects it, Allah will neglect him.' (Ahmad)
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is measured by the quality of one's inner spiritual state during worship, not merely by outward compliance with religious rituals. Believers should cultivate sincere khushū' in their prayers, recognizing that genuine connection with Allah requires full presence of heart and mind, free from distractions and heedlessness.
Related Ayahs
أَيَعِدُكُمْ أَنَّكُمْ إِذَا مِتُّمْ وَكُنتُمْ تُرَابًا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَنَّكُم مُّخْرَجُونَ
Does he promise you that when you have died and become dust and bones that you will be brought forth [once more]?
سَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّهِ ۚ قُلْ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ
They will say, "To Allāh." Say, "Then will you not remember?"
فَقَالُوٓا۟ أَنُؤْمِنُ لِبَشَرَيْنِ مِثْلِنَا وَقَوْمُهُمَا لَنَا عَـٰبِدُونَ
They said, "Should we believe two men like ourselves while their people are for us in servitude?"
وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ
And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me."