Surah As-Saffat — Verse 100

Word Meanings:

• "Habb" (هَبْ) — Grant, bestow, or give freely.
• "Min al-Saliheen" (مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ) — From among the righteous; i.e., a child who is righteous and pious.

Explanation of the Verse:

This is the heartfelt supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) as he prepared to leave his people and migrate for the sake of Allah. Having severed ties with his community—who rejected monotheism and worshipped idols—he turned to his Lord with a sincere and humble request. He asked Allah to bless him with a righteous child, one who would be a companion in his journey, a source of comfort in his solitude, and a helper in continuing the mission of calling people to the worship of Allah alone.

The phrase "from among the righteous" reflects Ibrahim’s deep desire that his offspring would not merely be a child, but one who would embody faith, virtue, and devotion—someone who would carry the torch of monotheism after him. This was not a request for worldly status or wealth, but for a legacy of righteousness that would benefit him in this life and the next. Indeed, Allah answered his prayer and gave him Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael), who grew up to be a patient, obedient, and righteous son, as mentioned later in the same chapter.

A Call to Reflection:

This verse teaches us the profound importance of supplication (du'a) in the life of a believer. Ibrahim, despite his immense station as a prophet, did not rely solely on his own efforts—he turned to Allah with humility and asked for what mattered most: righteous offspring. It reminds us that our children are a trust from Allah, and we should constantly pray for their guidance and righteousness. It also shows that true success lies not in accumulating material gains, but in raising a generation that upholds faith and good character. Let us, like Ibrahim, make du'a for our families, asking Allah to grant us spouses and children who are among the righteous, and who will be a source of joy in this world and a means of closeness to Allah in the Hereafter. For when we ask with sincerity, Allah, the Most Generous, never turns away a hopeful heart.