إِذْ جَآءَ رَبَّهُۥ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ 84
Translations
When he came to his Lord with a sound heart
Transliteration
Idh jaa'a rabbahu biqalbin saleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) approaching his Lord with a sound, sincere, and complete heart - free from shirk (associating partners with Allah), doubt, and hypocrisy. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that a 'qalb saleem' (sound heart) represents the pinnacle of spiritual devotion, reflecting Ibrahim's unwavering faith and submission to Allah's commands, which is why he was chosen as a trusted messenger and imam for mankind.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah As-Saffat within a passage praising Ibrahim's righteousness and faith. The context celebrates Ibrahim's exemplary character and his steadfast adherence to monotheism, positioning him as a model believer whom Allah honored with leadership and covenant despite the trials he faced.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, the most perfect believer in faith is the one whose character is most excellent, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi) - relating to the wholeness of character. Additionally, Surah Al-Qalam 68:4 praises the Prophet's character, echoing the theme of a sound and noble heart.
Themes
Key Lesson
The ayah teaches that true closeness to Allah is achieved not through external rituals alone, but through cultivating a sound heart—one free from pride, doubt, and insincerity. Believers should strive to purify their intentions and hearts from all that contradicts Allah's oneness and commands, following Ibrahim's exemplary model of wholehearted devotion.