وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ ٱلَّذِى وَفَّىٰٓ 37
Translations
And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations] -
Transliteration
Wa-ibrāhīm alladhī waffā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah praises Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) for fulfilling all of Allah's commands and being completely obedient. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that 'waffā' (fulfilled/perfected) refers to Ibrahim's unwavering commitment to monotheism, his trials, and his role as a messenger who conveyed Allah's message completely. The ayah highlights Ibrahim as a model of perfect servitude and dedication to the divine will.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Najm, a Meccan chapter that discusses various prophets and their steadfastness. The surah presents examples of righteous prophets to encourage the early Muslim community in Mecca during persecution. Ibrahim is highlighted here specifically for his perfection in fulfilling the covenant with Allah, serving as inspiration for believers facing their own trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Ibrahim was not a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true believer and Muslim' (Sahih Bukhari, 3:48:831). Additionally, the Quran states that Ibrahim was tested with commands and he fulfilled them completely (2:124), which relates directly to this ayah's emphasis on his fulfillment of the divine covenant.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true faith requires complete commitment to fulfilling Allah's commands without hesitation or compromise, just as Ibrahim exemplified. For modern believers, it serves as a reminder that spiritual growth comes through steadfastly adhering to Islamic principles even when facing difficulties or social pressure.