فَأَمَّا مَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُفْلِحِينَ 67
Translations
But as for one who had repented, believed, and done righteousness, it is expected [i.e., promised by Allāh] that he will be among the successful.
Transliteration
Fa-amma man taba wa-amana wa-amila salihan fa-asa an yakuna mina al-mufliheen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents the path to success (falah) through three essential conditions: repentance (tawbah), faith (iman), and righteous deeds (amal salih). Ibn Kathir notes that this verse offers hope to those who have committed sins, emphasizing that sincere repentance combined with belief and virtuous actions leads to felicity in both worlds. Al-Qurtubi highlights that the word 'asa (perhaps/hopefully) conveys certainty in Divine mercy while maintaining human responsibility, as these conditions virtually guarantee success when genuinely fulfilled.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Qasas, which recounts the story of Prophet Musa and the lessons derived from it. The surah emphasizes Divine guidance, redemption, and the consequences of rejecting truth. This particular verse synthesizes the thematic arc by offering a universal formula for redemption applicable to all believers, reflecting the Meccan period's focus on monotheism, accountability, and hope in Allah's mercy.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Repentance erases what comes before it' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith 'Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will accept his repentance' (Sahih Muslim) emphasizes the acceptability of sincere tawbah that this ayah promises.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah provides transformative hope to all sinners: no matter one's past transgressions, genuine repentance coupled with sincere faith and virtuous actions opens the door to success and Allah's favor. For modern believers, it emphasizes that spiritual transformation is always possible and that our future is determined not by our past mistakes, but by our commitment to reform ourselves and draw closer to Allah.