Surah Saba — Verse 4

Word Meanings:

• Li-yajziya: So that He may recompense or reward.
• Alladhina amanu: Those who believed (in Allah and His Messenger).
• Wa ‘amilu al-salihat: And performed righteous deeds — actions that are sincere and in accordance with Allah’s commands.
• Maghfirah: Forgiveness — the covering and pardoning of sins.
• Rizqun karim: A generous, honorable provision — referring to the everlasting bliss of Paradise.

Tafsir (Explanation):

This verse comes as a direct continuation of the previous one, where the disbelievers denied the coming of the Hour (the Day of Judgment). Allah responds by affirming that He has recorded everything — from the weight of a tiny ant in the heavens and the earth to all that is smaller or larger — in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz). This perfect, all-encompassing knowledge is not for mere display; rather, it serves a profound purpose: so that He may recompense those who believed and did righteous deeds.

The verse highlights that true faith is never a mere claim — it must be accompanied by action. Belief in Allah, His messengers, and the Hereafter naturally produces good works: prayer, charity, kindness, honesty, and justice. These deeds are the fruits of faith and the proof of its sincerity.

For such believers, Allah promises two magnificent rewards:

1. Maghfirah (Forgiveness) — a complete pardon for their sins and shortcomings. Their mistakes will not be held against them; instead, Allah’s mercy will wash them away.
2. Rizqun Karim (Generous Provision) — this is Paradise itself, a place of eternal delight where no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart can imagine the blessings prepared for them. It is a provision that never ends, never diminishes, and is accompanied by honor and dignity in the presence of their Lord.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, ponder this beautiful promise! Allah, the All-Knowing, has recorded every detail of your existence — your struggles, your prayers, your tears, and your good deeds. Nothing is lost, and nothing is forgotten. Every act of kindness, every moment of patience, every step you take toward righteousness is preserved and will be rewarded generously.

This verse fills the believer’s heart with hope and motivation. It teaches us that our efforts are never in vain. Even when the world overlooks us, Allah sees us. Even when people forget our good deeds, Allah records them. And on that Day, when all accounts are settled, the believers will receive the ultimate prize: forgiveness that liberates them from the burden of sin, and a provision so generous that it surpasses every joy this world could offer.

So, let us strengthen our faith and adorn it with righteous actions. Let us not delay, for the Hour is near, and the reward is immense. May Allah make us among those who believe and do good, and may He grant us His forgiveness and His generous provision — Paradise. Ameen.