وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرِينَ 129
Translations
And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:
Transliteration
wa-taraknā ʿalayhi fī al-ākhirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to leaving a good legacy and remembrance for the righteous servant of Allah among later generations. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as Allah preserving the praise and mention of the righteous person throughout history, ensuring that subsequent generations remember them favorably. The phrase indicates that Allah grants those who are obedient an enduring positive reputation that transcends their lifetime.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah As-Saffat, which praises various prophets and righteous servants of Allah. This particular verse follows the mention of Ilyas (Elijah), establishing a pattern throughout the surah of highlighting how Allah honors His faithful servants both in this life and by immortalizing their legacy in the hearts and memories of future generations.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: a continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah), knowledge from which people benefit, or a righteous child who prays for him.' (Sahih Muslim 1631). This hadith complements the concept of leaving a lasting legacy.
Themes
Key Lesson
Our actions and character create lasting impressions that extend beyond our earthly life; striving to live righteously ensures that we leave a positive legacy that benefits future generations and earns us Allah's pleasure and perpetual remembrance.