أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سَـٰبِقُونَ 61
Translations
It is those who hasten to good deeds, and they outstrip [others] therein.
Transliteration
Ula'ika yusari'un fil-khayrati wa hum laha sabiqun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the believers mentioned in the preceding verses as those who hasten toward good deeds and are foremost in performing them. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this indicates the eagerness and dedication of true believers in competing with one another in righteous acts, reflecting their sincere commitment to pleasing Allah. The phrase 'sabiqun' (foremost) emphasizes that they do not merely perform good works, but do so with zeal and priority, understanding that good deeds are a means of drawing closer to Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the middle of Surah Al-Mu'minun, which comprehensively describes the characteristics of true believers (al-mu'minun). The surah outlines their spiritual qualities, moral conduct, and devotion. This particular ayah is part of a sequence (verses 57-61) that contrasts the righteous believers with those who are heedless, establishing that rushing toward good deeds is a defining characteristic of the faithful.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895). Additionally, 'Whoever is quick in doing good deeds, his lineage will not make him slow' (Sahih Muslim 2308) relates to the concept of competing in good works.
Themes
Key Lesson
True faith is demonstrated not by passive belief alone, but by active, enthusiastic engagement in righteous deeds. Muslims should cultivate a mentality of competing with themselves and others in performing good works, recognizing that the measure of faith is reflected in one's actions and dedication to serving Allah and humanity.
Related Ayahs
قُلْ مَنۢ بِيَدِهِۦ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ يُجِيرُ وَلَا يُجَارُ عَلَيْهِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Say, "In whose hand is the realm of all things - and He protects while none can protect against Him - if you should know?"
ثُمَّ خَلَقْنَا ٱلنُّطْفَةَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقْنَا ٱلْعَلَقَةَ مُضْغَةً فَخَلَقْنَا ٱلْمُضْغَةَ عِظَـٰمًا فَكَسَوْنَا ٱلْعِظَـٰمَ لَحْمًا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَـٰهُ خَلْقًا ءَاخَرَ ۚ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ ٱلْخَـٰلِقِينَ
Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allāh, the best of creators.
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَخَذْنَا مُتْرَفِيهِم بِٱلْعَذَابِ إِذَا هُمْ يَجْـَٔرُونَ
Until when We seize their affluent ones with punishment, at once they are crying [to Allāh] for help.
فَتَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ ٱلْعَرْشِ ٱلْكَرِيمِ
So exalted is Allāh, the Sovereign, the Truth; there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne.