Juz 29: Al-Mulk to Al-Mursalāt
Section 12 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
12. Characteristics of the Righteous Believers
Surah Al-Ma'arij presents a comprehensive portrait of the righteous believers whose qualities stand in stark contrast to the general human tendencies described earlier. These characteristics form a blueprint for spiritual excellence and social responsibility that transcends time and place.
The righteous are first defined by their commitment to prayer:
الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَى صَلَاتِهِمْ دَائِمُونَ
“Those who are constant in their Salāh.”
This regular, consistent devotion to prayer serves as the foundation for all other virtuous qualities. It is significant that prayer is mentioned three times in this passage, emphasizing its paramount importance in the life of a believer.
Beyond their devotional practices, the righteous demonstrate social consciousness through financial generosity:
وَالَّذِينَ فِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ مَّعْلُومٌ
“And those in whose wealth there is a right, determined.”
لِّلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ
“For the beggar and the deprived.”
This quality reflects their recognition that wealth carries social responsibility. The righteous understand that a portion of their wealth belongs, by right, to those in need—both those who actively seek assistance and those who suffer in silence, too proud or unable to ask.
Faith in divine accountability shapes their worldview:
وَالَّذِينَ يُصَدِّقُونَ بِيَوْمِ الدِّينِ
“And those who believe in the Day of Judgment.”
وَالَّذِينَ هُم مِّنْ عَذَابِ رَبِّهِم مُّشْفِقُونَ
“And those who are fearful of their Lord's punishment.”
This consciousness of ultimate accountability creates a healthy balance of hope and fear, motivating righteous conduct in all circumstances.
Moral integrity, particularly in sexual matters, is another distinguishing characteristic:
وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ
“And those who preserve their private parts.”
إِلَّا عَلَى أَزْوَاجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ
“Except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, as they are not blamed.”
فَمَنِ ابْتَغَى وَرَاءَ ذَلِكَ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ
“But the one who seeks (sexual satisfaction) beyond that, then such people are the transgressors.”
These verses establish clear boundaries regarding sexual ethics, emphasizing the importance of restraint and channeling such desires exclusively within the divinely-sanctioned relationship of marriage.
Trustworthiness in all dealings completes this moral portrait:
وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِأَمَانَاتِهِمْ وَعَهْدِهِمْ رَاعُونَ
“And those who are careful about their trusts and covenants.”
وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِشَهَادَاتِهِمْ قَائِمُونَ
“And those who are upright in their testimonies.”
These qualities reflect integrity in both private commitments and public responsibilities. The righteous honor what has been entrusted to them and stand firm in speaking the truth, regardless of consequences.
The surah concludes its description of the righteous by returning to the foundational practice of prayer:
وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَى صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ
“And those who take care of their prayers.”
أُولَئِكَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ مُّكْرَمُونَ
“Those will be in gardens, honored.”