إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ 40
Translations
But not the chosen servants of Allāh.
Transliteration
Illa ibada-allahi al-mukhlasin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the sincere servants of Allah who are excepted from the punishment and disgrace mentioned in the preceding verses. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, 'al-mukhlasin' (those who are sincere/purified) refers to the true believers whose devotion is solely for Allah's sake, free from shirk (polytheism) and hypocrisy. These righteous servants alone will be saved from the torment that befalls the disbelievers and those who associate partners with Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah As-Saffat is a Meccan surah that emphasizes Allah's oneness and warns of the Day of Judgment. This ayah appears within a passage describing how the disbelievers and those who rejected the message will face punishment, while the exception is made for those who sincerely worship Allah alone. The context underscores the contrast between those who follow guidance and those who reject it.
Related Hadiths
The concept of 'ikhlas' (sincerity) is emphasized in the hadith: 'Verily, actions are by intentions, and every person shall have but that which he intended' (Sahih Bukhari 1). Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done with sincerity' (recorded in various hadith collections with similar meanings).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true protection from Allah's punishment lies not in wealth, status, or lineage, but in sincere devotion and pure intention in worship. Modern readers should reflect on whether their actions are motivated solely by pleasing Allah or by worldly desires and the approval of others.