The Attributes of the Servants of the Most Merciful in Surah Al-Furqan
Allah provides a comprehensive description of human life, the nature of souls, universal laws, commands, prohibitions, and guidance in His Noble Book. One should reflect on the attributes of ‘Ibad al-Rahman (Servants of the Most Merciful) as described in Surah Al-Furqan, which are noble qualities aspired to by those with high ambition.
Which Verses Mention the Attributes of the Servants of the Most Merciful?
Allah says in Surah Al-Furqan (63-76) - Interpreted approximate meaning:
"And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them, they say [words of] peace. And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer]. And those who say, ‘Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering. Indeed, it is evil as a settlement and residence.’ And they are those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, justly moderate. And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by right and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated—except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. And he who repents and does righteousness does indeed turn to Allah with [accepted] repentance. And they are those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity. And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind. And those who say, ‘Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.’ Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and [words of] peace, abiding eternally therein. Good is the settlement and residence.”
[Surah Al-Furqan: 63–76]
What are the Attributes of the Servants of the Most Merciful?
According to Sheikh Wahbah Al-Zuhayli in his "Tafsir Al-Munir", the eleven attributes are:
-
Humility and Obedience to Allah: Displayed through knowledge of Allah, fear of His punishment, and adherence to His commands.
-
Forbearance and Gentle Speech: Responding to ignorance and harm with kindness and peace.
-
Night Prayers (Tahajjud): Devoting part of the night to sincere worship, which is more humble, focused, and sincere.
-
Fear of Allah’s Punishment: Despite their piety, they remain fearful of Hell’s torment and seek protection from it.
-
Moderation in Spending: Practicing balance—avoiding both extravagance and miserliness, spending within their means in permissible ways.
-
Avoidance of Shirk: Refraining from associating partners with Allah, acknowledging it as the gravest sin.
-
Refraining from Major Sins such as Murder: Respecting the sanctity of life and avoiding unjust killing.
-
Avoidance of Adultery: Protecting honor and lineage, and preventing societal harm that comes with immoral behavior.
-
Avoidance of Falsehood and Perjury: Steering clear of false testimony and gatherings of falsehood or immoral conduct.
-
Acceptance of Admonition: When reminded of Allah’s verses, they reflect and do not ignore the guidance.
-
Supplication for Righteous Families: Praying for their spouses and children to be sources of comfort and striving to be role models for the righteous.
Reward: Those embodying these attributes will be rewarded with Paradise, eternal residence, and greetings of peace due to their patience and devotion.