لِّأَصْحَـٰبِ ٱلْيَمِينِ 38
Translations
For the companions of the right [who are]
Transliteration
Li-ashaabil-yameen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase refers to 'the companions of the right hand,' referring to the blessed inhabitants of Paradise in the context of Surah Al-Waqi'ah's description of the Day of Judgment. According to classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir, the 'right hand' (al-yameen) is mentioned in contrast to the 'left hand' (al-shimaal), symbolizing honor, success, and divine favor. This ayah emphasizes that those who receive their record of deeds in their right hand on the Day of Judgment are among the fortunate believers who will enter Paradise.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Waqi'ah is a Meccan surah revealed during the early Islamic period to warn the Meccan disbelievers and provide reassurance to the believers about the certainty of the Day of Judgment. This specific phrase appears within the surah's vivid description of the three categories of people on the Day of Resurrection, establishing the distinction between the righteous and the condemned.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 4712): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described those whose record is given in their right hand, saying they will be in a state of happiness and ease. Additionally, Surah Al-Haqqah (69:19-20) provides related commentary on receiving the record in the right hand as a sign of success.
Themes
Key Lesson
This phrase reminds believers that the ultimate measure of success is not worldly achievement but receiving divine approval on the Day of Judgment. Striving to be among 'the companions of the right hand' should motivate righteous conduct, faith, and obedience to Allah in this life.