Surah Al-A'raf — Verse 170

Word Meanings:

• يُمَسِّكُونَ (yumassikoon): They firmly hold fast, cling to, and adhere to something with determination and perseverance.
• بِالْكِتَابِ (bil-kitab): The Book — referring here to the Divine Scripture, specifically the Torah revealed to Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him.
• أَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ (aqamoo al-salah): They established the prayer — performing it perfectly, observing its times, conditions, pillars, and obligations, not merely praying occasionally or negligently.
• الْمُصْلِحِينَ (al-musliheen): Those who are reformers and doers of good — those who set things right, both in their own souls and in the world around them.

Tafsir (Interpretation):

This noble verse shines a light on a category of people whom Allah praises and honors — those who firmly grasp the Divine Book and establish the prayer. The verse specifically refers to sincere believers from the People of the Book, such as Abdullah ibn Salam and his companions, who held fast to the original Torah revealed to Musa (peace be upon him), without distorting it or concealing its truths. They recognized the final Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he came, because they found his description in their Scripture.

The verse describes two essential qualities of these righteous people:

First: They hold fast to the Book of Allah. This means they cling to it as their guide, their constitution, and their source of light. They do not merely read it or memorize it — they live by it. They accept its commands wholeheartedly, submit to its prohibitions, and let it shape their beliefs, their worship, and their daily conduct. Holding fast to the Book requires steadfastness in times of trial, patience in the face of temptation, and unwavering commitment even when the path becomes difficult.

Second: They establish the prayer. The prayer is singled out for special mention here because it is the pillar of the religion, the connection between the servant and his Lord, and the constant reminder of one's purpose in life. Establishing the prayer means more than just performing its movements — it means observing its times with precision, fulfilling its conditions and pillars, completing its obligatory elements and recommended practices, and allowing its spirit to transform the heart. When a person truly establishes the prayer, it prevents them from immorality and wrongdoing, and it fills their heart with the remembrance of Allah throughout the day.

Then comes the beautiful promise: "Indeed, We do not waste the reward of the reformers." This is a divine guarantee from the Lord of the Worlds. Allah does not let the efforts of those who work righteousness go to waste — not even the weight of an atom. Every sincere deed, every moment of patience, every act of reform is recorded and will be fully rewarded. The word "reformers" (musliheen) is significant — these are people who not only reform themselves but also work to improve their families, their communities, and their societies. They are builders of goodness, repairers of what is broken, and healers of what is corrupted.

A Call to Action:

Dear reader, this verse carries a timeless message for you and me today. It invites us to be among those who hold fast to the Book of Allah — not just in our celebrations and gatherings, but in our daily decisions, our business dealings, our family relationships, and our personal struggles. It calls us to establish the prayer with true devotion, making it the anchor of our day and the source of our strength.

And what a magnificent promise awaits us! Allah Himself — the Creator, the Sustainer, the Most Generous — has pledged that He will never waste the reward of those who strive to reform themselves and their world. No sincere effort is ever lost. No act of goodness is ever forgotten. Every step you take toward righteousness, every prayer you offer with humility, every time you choose obedience over disobedience — Allah sees it all and will reward it abundantly.

So hold fast to the Book of Allah with all your strength. Establish your prayers with excellence. And be among the reformers — those who bring light to dark places and hope to weary hearts. For the promise of Allah is true, and His reward is beyond imagination.