وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ٱبْيَضَّتْ وُجُوهُهُمْ فَفِى رَحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ 107
Translations
But as for those whose faces turn white, [they will be] within the mercy of Allāh. They will abide therein eternally.
Transliteration
Wa-amma alladhina ibyaddat wujuhuhum fa-fi rahmati Allahi hum fiha khalidun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes those whose faces will be brightened on the Day of Judgment—the believers who will enter Paradise. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the whitening of faces is a sign of joy, honor, and acceptance by Allah, contrasting with the darkening of faces mentioned in the preceding ayah (3:106) for the disbelievers. These righteous souls will dwell eternally in Allah's mercy and grace in Paradise.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a passage (3:106-107) discussing the conditions of people on the Day of Judgment, specifically their facial appearances as indicators of their eternal destinations. The surah Ali 'Imran emphasizes the themes of faith, accountability, and the ultimate justice of Allah, with this particular section addressing the consequences of belief and disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The believers whose faces will be white on the Day of Judgment are those who believed in Allah and His Messenger, and died in that state.' (Tirmidhi) Additionally, Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:22-23) mentions 'faces that Day will be radiant, Looking at their Lord' which describes the joy of the believers in Paradise.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that their actions and faith in this life determine their eternal destiny, and that true success lies in earning Allah's mercy through sincere belief and righteous deeds. The imagery of brightened faces symbolizes the spiritual luminosity and honor that comes from standing before Allah with a clear conscience and unwavering faith.
Related Ayahs
وَأُتْبِعُوا۟ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعْنَةً وَيَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ عَادًا كَفَرُوا۟ رَبَّهُمْ ۗ أَلَا بُعْدًا لِّعَادٍ قَوْمِ هُودٍ
And they were [therefore] followed in this world with a curse and [as well] on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, ʿAad denied their Lord; then away with ʿAad, the people of Hūd.
وَإِنَّهُۥ لَعِلْمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ فَلَا تَمْتَرُنَّ بِهَا وَٱتَّبِعُونِ ۚ هَـٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
And indeed, he [i.e., Jesus] will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.
لِيَجْزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
That He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds out of His bounty. Indeed, He does not like the disbelievers.
قَالُوا۟ تِلْكَ إِذًا كَرَّةٌ خَاسِرَةٌ
They say, "That, then, would be a losing return."