The Holy Quran in Surah Mominoon, Chapter 23, Verse 1 says that the “Successful, indeed, are the believers“. Surah Mominoon also prescribes the criteria or touchstone to differentiate between a believer and a non-believer, or belief from non-belief.
Some of the characteristics of a believer in Islam according to Surah Mominoon include the following:
- Belief in God
- Believe in the Revelations of God
- Humbleness in Prayer
- Avoiding Idle Talks
- Paying Zakat and Charity to the Poor
- Guarding one’s Chastity
- Honoring Trust and Promises
- Maintaining Prayers, and
- Acting Righteously, etc
In this article, we shall try to explain some of these criteria, especially the first one, by generally relying on verses from Surah Mominoon, i.e., Chapter 23 of the Holy Quran.
Belief in God
Belief in God is the first characteristic of a believer. Not only in Surah Mominoon but in dozens of other verses, the Holy Quran highlights the importance of belief in God as well as the consequences of such belief and non-belief.
Belief in which God?
Having declared that belief in God is a necessary precondition of a faithful believer, one may ask about the nature of this belief and the God in which one must put their faith in.
With respect to the nature and the characteristics of God, Chapter 112 of the Holy Quran beautifully summarises all important attributes of God.
Say, O Prophet, He is Allah—the one and Indivisible; Allah, the Eternal Refuge and Absolute Master. He neither begets nor was he begotten, and there is none comparable to Him. (Holy Quran 112:1-4)
So when Holy Quran talks about belief in God, it talks about faith, belief, and devotion to a God who is-
- One and Indivisible
- Eternal and Absolute Master of all
- He neither begets nor was ever begotten, implying that he is eternal immortal and has always existed and will continue to do so forever.
- No one is comparable to him.
One may also take note of certain verses of Surah Mominoon as well that talk about the powers and attributes of God.
- Allah has never had ˹any˺ offspring, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what he created, and they would have tried to dominate one another. Glorified is Allah above what they claim! (23:91)
- He is the˺ Knower of the seen and unseen. Exalted is He above what they associate ˹with Him˺ – (23:92)
- Exalted is Allah, the True King! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Lord of the Honourable Throne. (23:116)
- Whoever invokes, besides Allah, another god – for which they can have no proof – they will surely find their penalty with their Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will never succeed. (23:117)
With respect to the nature of belief in the kind of God mentioned above, the following verses of Surah Mominoon are noteworthy.
- Surely those who tremble in awe of their Lord. (Holy Quran 23:57)
- And who believe in the revelations of their Lord. (23:58)
- And who associate none with their Lord. (23:59)
- And who do whatever ˹good˺ they do with their hearts fearful, ˹knowing˺ that they will return to their Lord. (23:60)
- It is they who race to do good deeds, always taking the lead. (23:61)
Proof of Creator Almighty
With regard to the proof and evidence of the existence and majesty of God almighty, the Holy Quran asks human beings to observe, explore and contemplate about the working of various natural and physical phenomena in this world and beyond.
While Science may explain to him the process but not the exact and ultimate causative factor behind all-natural, physical and chemical phenomena at work in this universe.
To put it differently, it may answer to an extent the “how part” of the question but not always the “who and why” part.
In this regard, the following verses of the Surah Mominoon are noteworthy.
Then placed each human as a sperm drop in a secure place. (Holy Quran 23:12)
And indeed, we created humankind from an extract of clay. (23:13)
Then We developed the drop into a clinging clot ˹of blood˺, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators. (23:14)
After that, you will surely die, (23:15)
Then on the Day of Judgment, you will be resurrected. (23:16)
And indeed, We created above you seven levels ˹of heaven˺. We are never unmindful of ˹Our˺ creation. (23:17)
We send down rain from the sky in perfect measure, causing it to soak into the earth. And We are surely able to take it away. (23:18)
With it, We produce for you gardens of palm trees and grapevines, in which there are abundant fruits, and from which you may eat, as well as ˹olive˺ trees which grow at Mount Sinai, providing oil and a condiment to eat. (23:19-20)
And there is certainly a lesson for you in cattle, from whose bellies We give you ˹milk˺ to drink, and in them are many other benefits for you, and from them, you may eat. (23:21)
And you are carried upon ˹some of˺ them and upon ships. (23:22)
He is the One Who created for you hearing, sight, and intellect. ˹Yet˺ you hardly give any thanks. (23:78)
And He is the One Who has dispersed you ˹all˺ over the earth, and to Him, you will ˹all˺ be gathered. (23:79)
And He is the One Who gives life and causes death, and to Him belongs the alternation of the day and night. Will you not then understand? (23:80)
Messengers of God
As belief in revelations of God (23:58) is also a characteristic of a believer, one may ask about the sources of these revelations.
In this regard, the Holy Quran talks about the messengers of God who have been sent in different times to different communities and nations all over the world to differentiate belief from non-belief and truth from falsehood.
Given below is a list of some of the messengers of God as mentioned in the Surah Mominoon of the Holy Quran.
This will also clarify the misunderstanding of those who believe that Muslims don’t believe in any other messenger of God other than Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Prophet Noah PBUH
Indeed, we sent Noah to his people. He declared, “O my people! Worship Allah alone. You have no god other than him. Will you not then fear Him? ” (Holy Quran 23:23).
But the disbelieving chiefs of his people said ˹to the masses˺, “This is only a human like you, who wants to be superior to you. Had Allah willed, He could have easily sent down angels ˹instead˺. We have never heard of this in ˹the history of˺ our forefathers. (23:24)
He is simply insane, so bear with him for a while.” (23:25)
Noah prayed, “My Lord! Help me because they have denied me.” (23:26)
So we inspired him: “Build the Ark under Our Watchful Eyes and Directions.” Then when our command comes and the oven bursts with water, take on board a pair from every species along with your family, except those against whom the decree to drown has already been passed. And do not plead with Me for those who have done wrong, for they will surely be drowned.” (23:27)
Then when you and those with you have settled in the Ark, say, “All praise is for Allah, Who saved us from the wrongdoing people.” (23:28)
And pray, “My Lord! Allow me a blessed landing, for You are the best accommodator.” (23:29)
Surely in this are lessons here. And we always put people to the test. (23:30)
Series of Messengers
Then we raised another generation after them, (Holy Quran 23:31)
And We sent among them a messenger from themselves, [saying], “Worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?” (23:32)
But the chiefs of his people – who disbelieved, denied the meeting ˹with Allah˺ in the Hereafter, and were spoiled by the worldly luxuries We had provided for them – said ˹to the masses˺, “This is only a human like you. He eats what you eat, and drinks what you drink. (23:33)
Holy Quran 23:34 And if you should obey a man like yourselves, indeed, you would then be losers. (23:34)
Does he promise you that once you are dead and reduced to dust and bones, you will be brought forth ˹alive˺? (23:35)
Impossible, simply impossible is what you are promised! (23:36)
There is nothing beyond our worldly life. We die, others are born, and none will be resurrected. (23:37)
He is no more than a man who has fabricated a lie about Allah, and we will never believe in him.” (23:38)
The messenger prayed, “My Lord! Help me because they have denied ˹me˺.” (23:39)
Allah responded, “Soon they will be truly regretful.” (23:40)
Then the ˹mighty˺ blast overtook them with justice, and We reduced them to rubble. So away with the wrongdoing people! (23:41)
Then We raised other generations after them. (23:42)
No people can advance their doom, nor can they delay it. (23:43)
Prophet Moses PBUH
Then we sent our messengers in succession; whenever a messenger came to his people, they denied him. So we destroyed them, one after the other, reducing them to “cautionary” tales. So away with the people who refuse to believe! (Holy Quran 23:44).
Then we sent Moses and his brother Aaron with our signs and compelling proof to the Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they behaved arrogantly and were tyrannical people. (23:46-46)
They argued, “Will we believe in two humans, like ourselves, whose people are slaves to us?” So they rejected them both, and so were among those destroyed. (23:47-48)
And We certainly gave Moses the Scripture, so perhaps his people would be ˹rightly˺ guided. (23:49)
And we made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and gave them refuge on high ground, a “suitable” place for rest with flowing water. (Holy Quran 23:50).
[Allah said], “O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed I, of what you do, am Knowing. (23:51)
Religion is Only One & Long Established: Sanatan?
Surely this religion of yours is the only one, and I am your Lord, so fear Me alone. Yet the people have divided it into different sects, each rejoicing in what they have. (23:52-53)
سُنَّةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَلَن تَجِدَ لِسُنَّةِ ٱللَّهِ تَبْدِيلًۭا ٢٣
˹This is˺ Allah’s way, already long established ˹in the past˺. And you will find no change in Allah’s way. 48:23
He is the One Who has sent His Messenger with ˹right˺ guidance and the religion of truth, making it prevail over all others. And sufficient is Allah as a Witness. 48:28 (Yada Yada hi Dharmasya analogy of Gita?)
The same religion has He established for you [O Muhammad] as that which He enjoined on Noah – the which We have sent by inspiration to thee – and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the way to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn to Him. Al-Quran 42:13
And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend. Al-Quran 4:125
They say, “Be Jews or Christians [so] you will be guided.” Say, “Rather, [we follow] the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth, and he was not of the polytheists.” Al-Quran 2:135
Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him“. Al-Quran 2:136
ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَضَلَّ أَعْمَـٰلَهُمْ ١
Those who disbelieve and hinder ˹others˺ from the Way of Allah, He will render their deeds void. 47:1
Also Read| Seal of Prophecy and Finality of Holy Quran
Yet No Compulsion in Religion
So leave them (O Prophet) in their heedlessness for a while. (Holy Quran 23:54).
Do they think, since We provide them with wealth and children, (23:55)
That We hasten to ˹honour˺ them ˹with˺ all kinds of good? No! They are not aware. (23:56)
We never require more of any soul than what it can afford. And with us is a record that speaks the truth. None will be wronged. (23:57)
But the hearts of those who disbelieve are oblivious to all of this, and they have other evil deeds, opposite to this, in which they are engrossed. (23:58)
Role of Elites in Corrupting Religion and People
Holy Quran repeatedly points out the elites of any society as the major culprit behind rejection and corruption of true faith and religion.
But as soon as We seize their elite with torment, they start to cry for help. They will be told,˺ “Do not cry for help today. Surely you will never be saved from Us. Indeed, My revelations were recited to you, but you used to back away ˹in disgust˺, Boasting of the Sacred House, and babbling ˹nonsense about the Quran˺ by night.” (Holy Quran 23:64-67)
Is it because they have never contemplated the Word ˹of Allah˺? Or ˹because˺ there has come to them something that did not come to their forefathers? Or ˹because˺ they failed to recognise their Messenger, and so they denied him? Or ˹because˺ they say, “He is insane?” In fact, he has come to them with the truth, but most of them are resentful of the truth. (23:68-70)
Had the truth followed their desires, the heavens, the earth, and all those in them would have certainly been corrupted. In fact, We have brought them ˹the means to˺ their glory, but they turn away from it. (23:71)
Also noteworthy here are some verses from chapter 14 of the Holy Quran that also points out the role of ungrateful elite sections and leaders in corrupting common people on matters of religion.
Have you not seen those ˹disbelievers˺ who meet Allah’s favours with ingratitude and lead their own people to their doom? They set up equals to Allah to mislead ˹others˺ from His Way. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Enjoy yourselves! Surely your destination is the Fire.” Holy Quran 14:28-29
Holy Quran repeatedly warns people against following such elite leaders who will not be able to protect anyone on the day of judgement.
They will all appear before Allah, and the lowly ˹followers˺ will appeal to the arrogant ˹leaders˺, “We were your ˹dedicated˺ followers, so will you ˹then˺ protect us from Allah’s torment in any way?” They will reply, “Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. ˹Now˺ it is all the same for us whether we suffer patiently or impatiently, there is no escape for us.” 14:21
In Chapter 9, verse 69, while severely reprimanding such people and leaders, the Holy Quran says that their deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter and that it is they who are the true losers even if they think they are over-smart.
˹You hypocrites are˺ like those ˹disbelievers˺ before you. They were far superior to you in might and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share in this life. You have enjoyed your share, just as they did. And you have engaged in idle talk, just as they did. Their deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter. And it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers. Holy Quran 9:69
And they will say, “Our Lord! We obeyed our leaders and elite, but they led us astray from the ˹Right˺ Way. 33:67
Eventually,˺ Noah cried, “My Lord! They have certainly persisted in disobeying me, and followed ˹instead˺ those ˹elite˺ whose ˹abundant˺ wealth and children only increase them in loss, 71:21
Also relevant are following verses of the Holy Quran in this regard.
Whenever We intend to destroy a society, We command its elite ˹to obey Allah˺ but they act rebelliously in it. So the decree ˹of punishment˺ is justified, and We destroy it utterly. Holy Quran 17:16
Whenever We sent a warner to a society, its elite would say, “We truly reject what you have been sent with.” Holy Quran 34:34
Those ˹elite˺ have already led many astray. So ˹O Lord˺, only allow the wrongdoers to stray farther away.” Holy Quran 71:34
And there were in the city nine ˹elite˺ men who spread corruption in the land, never doing what is right. Holy Quran 27:48
It’s no surprise that most of the cultural nationalists and chauvinists who boast about their forefathers glory and achievements come from only the arrogant elite section of any society as rightly pointed out by Holy Quran in the following verse.
Similarly, whenever We sent a warner to a society before you ˹O Prophet˺, its ˹spoiled˺ elite would say, “We found our forefathers following a ˹particular˺ way, and we are walking in their footsteps.” 43:23
Prophet didn’t ask for any Money or Tribute
Had the truth followed their desires, the heavens, the earth, and all those in them would have certainly been corrupted. In fact, We have brought them ˹the means to˺ their glory, but they turn away from it; Or ˹is it because˺ you ˹O Prophet˺ are asking them for tribute? But the reward of your Lord is best, for He is the Best Provider. (Holy Quran 23:71-72)
And surely you are calling them to the Straight Path, (23:73)
But those who disbelieve in the Hereafter are certainly deviating from that Path. (23:74)
Even˺ if We had mercy on them and removed their affliction, they would still persist in their transgression, wandering blindly. (23:75)
And we have already seized them with torment, but they never humbled themselves to their Lord, nor did they submissively appeal to Him. (23:76)
But as soon as We open for them a gate of severe punishment, they will be utterly desperate. (23:77)
He is the One Who created for you hearing, sight, and intellect. Yet you hardly give any thanks. (23:78)
Lame Excuses of People
But they just say what their predecessors said. (Holy Quran 23:81).
They said, “Once we are dead and reduced to dust and bones, will we really be resurrected?” (23:82)
We have already been promised this, as well as our forefathers earlier. This is nothing but ancient fables!” (23:83)
Ask ˹them, O Prophet˺, “To whom belong the earth and all those on it if you ˹really˺ know?” (23:84)
They will reply, “To Allah!” Say, “Why are you not then mindful?” (23:85)
And˺ ask ˹them˺, “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Mighty Throne?” (23:86)
They will reply, “Allah.” Say, “Will you not then fear ˹Him˺?” (23:87)
Ask ˹them also,˺ “In Whose Hands is the authority over all things, protecting ˹all˺ while none can protect against Him if you ˹really˺ know?” (23:88)
They will reply, “Allah.” Say, “How are you then so deluded?” (23:89)
In fact, We have brought them the truth, and they are certainly liars. (23:90)
Allah has never had ˹any˺ offspring, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what he created, and they would have tried to dominate one another. Glorified is Allah above what they claim! (91)
He is the˺ Knower of the seen and unseen. Exalted is He above what they associate ˹with Him˺. (23:92)
Seek refuge from the Temptations of Devils
Say, O Prophet, “My Lord! Should you show me what they are threatened with, (Holy Quran 23:93)
Then, my Lord, do not count me among the wrongdoing people.” (23:94)
We are indeed able to show you what We have threatened them with. (23:95)
Respond to evil with what is best. We know well what they claim. (23:96)
And say, “My Lord! I seek refuge in You from the temptations of the devils. (23:97)
And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, that they ˹even˺ come near me.” (23:98)
When death approaches any of them, they cry, “My Lord! Let me go back, (23:99)
So I may do good in what I left behind.” Never! It is only a ˹useless˺ appeal they make. And there is a barrier behind them until the Day they are resurrected. (23:100)
Mend your Ways before it’s too Late
Then, when the Trumpet will be blown, there will be no kinship between them on that Day, nor will they ˹even care to˺ ask about one another. (Holy Quran 23:101)
As for those whose scale is heavy ˹with good deeds˺, it is they who will be successful. (23:102)
But those whose scale is light, they will have doomed themselves, staying in Hell forever. (23:103)
The Fire will burn their faces, leaving them deformed. (23:104)
It will be said, “Were My revelations not recited to you, but you used to deny them?” (23:105)
They will cry, “Our Lord! Our ill fate took hold of us, so we became misguided people. (23:106)
Our Lord! Take us out of this Fire. Then if we ever return to denial, we will truly be wrongdoers.” (23:107)
Allah will respond, “Be despised in there! Do not ever plead with Me again! (23:108)
Indeed, there was a group of My servants who used to pray, ‘Our Lord! We have believed, so forgive us and have mercy on us, for You are the best of those who show mercy,’ (23:109)
Holy Quran 23:110 but you were ˹so busy˺ making fun of them that it made you forget My remembrance. And you used to laugh at them. (23:110)
Today I have indeed rewarded them for their perseverance: they are certainly triumphant.” (23:111)
He will ask ˹them˺, “How many years did you remain on earth?” (23:112)
They will reply, “We remained ˹only˺ a day or part of a day. But ask those who kept count.” (23:113)
He will say, “You only remained for a little while, if only you knew. (23:114)
Man was not created without a Purpose
Holy Quran repeatedly warns humankind that he was not created without a purpose and he will be definitely held accountable for his deeds and misdeeds, belief, and non-belief.
Did you then think that We had created you without purpose and that you would never be returned to Us?” (Holy Quran 23:115)
Exalted is Allah, the True King! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Lord of the Honourable Throne. (23:116)
Whoever invokes, besides Allah, another god—for which they can have no proof—they will surely find their penalty with their Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will never succeed. (23:117)
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy.” (23:118)
Humbleness in Prayers
Believers are humble in their prayers. Humbleness in prayer is a characteristic of a successful believer as can be ascertained from the verse below-
Those who humble themselves in prayer (Holy Quran 23:2)
Engaging in Idle talks is also a sign of hypocrisy.
Holy Quran 9:69 ˹You hypocrites are˺ like those ˹disbelievers˺ before you. They were far superior to you in might and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share in this life. You have enjoyed your share, just as they did. And you have engaged in idle talk, just as they did. Their deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter. And it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers.
Avoiding Idle Talks
One important characteristic of a believer is that he avoids idle talks.
Those who avoid Idle Talk (Holy Quran 23:3)
Paying Zakat
Holy Quran mandates believers to pay alms tax to poor. And the importance of such taxes for the purpose of wealth redistribution and equitable development of society is self-evident and needs little elaboration.
Those who pay alms tax (Holy Quran 23:4)
This mandate of the Quran is of great significance as it motivates a believer to strive to be financially well-off so as to become capable to pay obligatory Zakat tax on all his income.
Guarding ones Chastity
Guarding one’s character and chastity is an important characteristic of a believer. Holy Quran says that those who fail to do so are indeed transgressors.
Those who guard their chastity except with their wives or those bondwomen in their possession, for then they are free from blame but whoever seeks beyond that are the transgressors; (Holy Quran 23:5-7)
Honouring Trust and Promises
Honoring trust and promises is one of the fundamental and most important obligations of a believer.
The believers are also those who are true to their trusts and covenants; (Holy Quran 23:8)
Maintaining Prayers
Holy Quran provides that believers are those who properly maintain and observe their prayers.
And those who are ˹properly˺ observant of their prayers. (Holy Quran 23:9)
فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًۭا وَقُعُودًۭا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا ٱطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَـٰبًۭا مَّوْقُوتًۭا ١٠٣
When the prayers are over, remember Allah—whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are secure, establish regular prayers. Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times. 4:103
وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ طَرَفَىِ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًۭا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلْحَسَنَـٰتِ يُذْهِبْنَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ذِكْرَىٰ لِلذَّٰكِرِينَ ١١٤
Establish prayer at both ends of the day and in the early part of the night. Surely good deeds wipe out evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful. 11:114
Acting Righteously
Holy Quran asks believers to act righteously in all their affairs and walks of life.
Oh, Messengers! Eat what is good and lawful, and act righteously. Indeed, I fully know what you do. (Holy Quran 23:51).
Also noteworthy here is verse 102 of this chapter that stresses on the importance of good deeds.
As for those whose scale is heavy ˹with good deeds˺, it is they who will be successful. (102)
Other Characteristics
Compassionate with Believers & Firm with Disbelievers
مُّحَمَّدٌۭ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥٓ أَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى ٱلْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَآءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَىٰهُمْ رُكَّعًۭا سُجَّدًۭا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنًۭا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِى وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ ٱلسُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِى ٱلْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْـَٔهُۥ فَـَٔازَرَهُۥ فَٱسْتَغْلَظَ فَٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِۦ يُعْجِبُ ٱلزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ ٱلْكُفَّارَ ۗ وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةًۭ وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًۢا ٢٩
Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him are firm with the disbelievers and compassionate with one another. You see them bowing and prostrating ˹in prayer˺, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure. The sign ˹of brightness can be seen˺ on their faces from the trace of prostrating ˹in prayer˺. This is their description in the Torah. And their parable in the Gospel is that of a seed that sprouts its ˹tiny˺ branches, making it strong. Then it becomes thick, standing firmly on its stem, to the delight of the planters—in this way Allah makes the believers a source of dismay for the disbelievers. To those of them who believe and do good, Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward. 48:29
General Disposition: Reflect around them and Glorify God
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًۭا وَقُعُودًۭا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلًۭا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ ١٩١
They are˺ those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire. 3:191
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُۥ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍۢ ١٩٢
Our Lord! Indeed, those You commit to the Fire will be ˹completely˺ disgraced! And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. 3:192
رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًۭا يُنَادِى لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ أَنْ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَـَٔامَنَّا ۚ رَبَّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلْأَبْرَارِ ١٩٣
Our Lord! We have heard the caller1 to ˹true˺ belief, ˹proclaiming,˺ ‘Believe in your Lord ˹alone˺,’ so we believed. Our Lord! Forgive our sins, absolve us of our misdeeds, and join us with the virtuous when we die. 3:193
Maalik! Humne ek pukarne waley ko suna jo iman ki taraf bulata tha aur kehta tha ke apne Rubb ko maano, humne uski dawat qabool karli, pas aey hamare aaqa! Jo kasoor humse huey hain unsey darguzar farma. Jo buraiyan hum mein hain unhein door karde aur hamara khaatma neik logon ke saath kar 3:193
رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ ١٩٤
Our Lord! Grant us what You have promised us through Your messengers and do not put us to shame on Judgment Day—for certainly You never fail in Your promise.”
Encourage Good and Forbid Evil
ٱلتَّـٰٓئِبُونَ ٱلْعَـٰبِدُونَ ٱلْحَـٰمِدُونَ ٱلسَّـٰٓئِحُونَ ٱلرَّٰكِعُونَ ٱلسَّـٰجِدُونَ ٱلْـَٔامِرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَٱلنَّاهُونَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْحَـٰفِظُونَ لِحُدُودِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ١١٢
˹It is the believers˺ who repent, who are devoted to worship, who praise ˹their Lord˺, who fast, who bow down and prostrate themselves, who encourage good and forbid evil, and who observe the limits set by Allah. And give good news to the believers. 9:112
Stay at Home, Don’t Show Off
And stay in your homes and do not go about displaying your allurements as in the former Time of Ignorance. Establish Prayer, give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah only wishes to remove uncleanness from you, O members of the (Prophet’s) household, and to purify you completely. 33:33
Restrain from Fighting
أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ قِيلَ لَهُمْ كُفُّوٓا۟ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ فَلَمَّا كُتِبَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ إِذَا فَرِيقٌۭ مِّنْهُمْ يَخْشَوْنَ ٱلنَّاسَ كَخَشْيَةِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْ أَشَدَّ خَشْيَةًۭ ۚ وَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لِمَ كَتَبْتَ عَلَيْنَا ٱلْقِتَالَ لَوْلَآ أَخَّرْتَنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ قَرِيبٍۢ ۗ قُلْ مَتَـٰعُ ٱلدُّنْيَا قَلِيلٌۭ وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌۭ لِّمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا ٧٧
Have you ˹O Prophet˺ not seen those who had been told, “Do not fight! Rather, establish prayer and pay alms-tax.”? Then once the order came to fight, a group of them feared those ˹hostile˺ people as Allah should be feared—or even more. They said, “Our Lord! Why have You ordered us to fight? If only You had delayed ˹the order for˺ us for a little while!” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “The enjoyment of this world is so little, whereas the Hereafter is far better for those mindful ˹of Allah˺. And none of you will be wronged ˹even by the width of˺ the thread of a date stone. 4:77