إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ 74
Translations
But not the chosen servants of Allāh.
Transliteration
Illa ibada Allahi al-mukhlisin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states an exception to the previous statement about those who followed falsehood: 'Except the servants of Allah who were sincere.' According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this refers to the believing servants of Allah whose hearts were devoted solely to His worship and obedience, who rejected the idolatry and misguidance of their people. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that 'al-mukhlisin' (the sincere ones) are those who purified their intentions and actions for Allah alone, standing firm against the corruption surrounding them.
Revelation Context
Surah As-Saffat is a Meccan surah that emphasizes monotheism and the certainty of the Day of Judgment. This particular ayah appears within a passage recounting how past nations rejected their messengers, with this verse providing consolation that despite widespread rejection, Allah always preserved a group of faithful servants. The context emphasizes the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best deeds are those done with sincere intention' (related to ikhlas - sincerity). Also relevant is the hadith: 'Actions are by intentions, and every person shall have what they intended' (Sahih Bukhari 1, Sahih Muslim 1910).
Themes
Key Lesson
In times of widespread misguidance and social pressure to conform to falsehood, sincere devotion to Allah and authentic faith remain the path to salvation. This ayah encourages believers to maintain their integrity and pure intentions despite living in societies that may reject divine truth.