إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ 128
Translations
Except the chosen servants of Allāh.
Transliteration
Illa ibada Allahi al-mukhlisin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the servants of Allah who are sincere and devoted in their worship, excluding them from the general punishment or trial being discussed in the context of Surah As-Saffat. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, "al-mukhlisin" (the sincere ones) denotes those whose faith is pure and whose actions are dedicated solely to pleasing Allah, free from ostentation and worldly motives. The ayah emphasizes that Allah's mercy and protection extend particularly to those whose hearts and deeds are devoted exclusively to His service.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the Meccan surah As-Saffat, which deals with themes of monotheism, the Day of Judgment, and the stories of righteous prophets and their followers. The context discusses how believers—particularly the sincere servants—are distinguished and protected by Allah, fitting within the broader Meccan emphasis on pure monotheism and devotion during the early Islamic period.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of deeds is that which is done with sincerity (ikhlas) for Allah and in accordance with the Sunnah' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the hadith qudsi states: 'I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having an associate. Thus, he who does an action for someone else's sake as well as Mine will have that action rejected by Me to him whom he associated with Me' (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
True spiritual elevation comes through sincere devotion to Allah alone, free from the desire for recognition or worldly gain. Modern believers should examine their intentions in all actions, ensuring their worship and service are exclusively for Allah's pleasure, as this purity of heart distinguishes one as among the 'mukhlisin'—those whom Allah honors and protects.