Surah Ash-Shura 42:38
سُورَةُ الشُّورَىٰ · Meccan · Verse 38 of 53
وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَجَابُوا۟ لِرَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
Translation
respond to their Lord; keep up the prayer; conduct their affairs by mutual consultation; give to others out of what We have provided for them;
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse beautifully describes the qualities of true believers, highlighting what it means to live in alignment with Allah's will. It’s a list of virtues that show a deep, practical connection to faith, starting with their fundamental response to their Creator.
Responding to Their Lord
The verse opens with `وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَجَابُوا۟ لِرَبِّهِمْ` (and those who responded to their Lord). The Arabic word `استجابوا` (istajaabu) carries an intense meaning. The prefix `است` often implies seeking or asking, but here, as Ibn Ashur explains, it signifies an eager and willing response, without any hesitation or reluctance. It's not just *responding*, but *earnestly answering the call*. This shows a readiness to embrace Allah's oneness and obey His commands, a proactive and heartfelt acceptance of His guidance.
Establishing Prayer
Following this deep response is `وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ` (and they established prayer). The word "established" is more profound than simply "performed" or "prayed." It suggests completing the prayer fully, observing its conditions, and doing so consistently at its appointed times. Ibn Ashur connects this to the eagerness of the early Ansar who, after embracing Islam, immediately sought someone to lead them in congregational prayer. This isn't just a ritual; it's a foundational pillar that they upheld firmly in their lives.
Their Affairs Are Consultation
A unique quality mentioned is `وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ` (and their affairs are consultation among them). Here, the word `شورى` (shura) is a *masdar* (verbal noun), meaning "consultation." By describing "their affair" (`أمرهم`) directly as `شورى`, the verse uses an emphatic literary device, as explained by al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi. It’s as if consultation isn't just something they *do*, but rather it *is* the very nature of their collective decision-making. Ibn Ashur adds that `بَيْنَهُمْ` (among them) implies that this consultation should involve those concerned and possess sound judgment, and that it should be kept confidential. This isn't just for major issues, but suggests a general approach to all their matters, leading to sounder, more guided outcomes, as Hasan al-Basri noted, "No people have consulted except that they were guided to the most correct of their affairs."
Spending from What Allah Provided
Finally, the verse highlights `وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ` (and from what We have provided them, they spend). The wording `مِمَّا` ("from what") implies they don't give away everything, but a portion of their wealth. Crucially, it clarifies that this wealth is `رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ` ("what We have provided them"). Ibn Ashur notes this phrasing embeds a subtle reminder of Allah's favor and provision right within the praise for their generosity. It reminds the believers that their giving is from resources that ultimately belong to Allah, fostering humility and gratitude in their acts of charity.
This verse, through its precise choice of words, paints a vivid picture of a deeply committed believer: one who earnestly responds to Allah, establishes prayer, engages in collective consultation, and generously spends from what Allah has blessed them with, all flowing from a heart of humility and gratitude.
Source: al-Zamakhshari, Ibn Ashur, al-Jalalayn, al-Razi, al-Muyassar
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ash-Shura 42:38 is discussed in 10 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ash-Shura 42:38 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.