Surah Muhammad 47:17
سُورَةُ مُحَمَّدٍ · Medinan · Verse 17 of 38
وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟ زَادَهُمْ هُدًۭى وَءَاتَىٰهُمْ تَقْوَىٰهُمْ
Translation
God has increased the guidance of those who follow the right path, and given them their awareness [of Him].
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This verse offers a profound glimpse into how Allah graces those who open their hearts to guidance, presenting a stark contrast to those who turn away. It tells us that those who have found their way to the truth are not left stagnant; instead, Allah continuously elevates them.
A Dynamic Journey of Guidance
The verse opens with, "And those who were guided" (وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱهْتَدَوْا۟). The choice of "اهتدوا" (ihtadaw, meaning they were guided) implies an initial acceptance and seeking of the path. But Allah does not stop there. The Quran then says, "He increased them in guidance" (زَادَهُمْ هُدًۭى). The verb "زادهم" (zaadahum, He increased them) is crucial. It signifies a continuous, progressive growth, not a one-time event. As Ibn Ashur explains, it means Allah "firmly established faith in their hearts," deepening their understanding and conviction. Al-Razi elaborates, suggesting this increase isn't just about gaining more knowledge, but evolving from merely being guided to becoming those who can also guide others. It is a journey of spiritual ascent, where each step of following truth leads to further clarity and insight from Allah.
Their Unique God-Consciousness
Following this, the verse states, "and gave them their piety" (وَءَاتَىٰهُمْ تَقْوَىٰهُمْ). The word "آتاهم" (aataahum, He gave them) implies Allah's active bestowal. Piety, or *taqwa* (God-consciousness), isn't a physical object to be handed over. Ibn Ashur clarifies this by calling it a metaphor, meaning Allah "facilitated the means" for them to achieve this state. He enabled them to be pious, to act on their knowledge, and to overcome their desires.
Most striking here is the possessive pronoun "هم" (hum, their) in "تقواهم" (taqwaahum). It's not just generic piety; it's *their* specific, distinctive piety. Ibn Ashur notes this phrasing implies that this quality is "specific to them" and "they are known by it." Al-Razi highlights that this *taqwa* can encompass many things: taking diligent precautions in religious matters, having a deep awe of Allah, being mindful of the Day of Judgment, and even the courage to stand for truth without fearing blame from others. This particular wording emphasizes that through Allah's grace, their God-consciousness becomes a defining characteristic, a personalized spiritual endowment that distinguishes them.
In essence, this verse uses precise language to show us that sincere guidance is a dynamic process, continuously nurtured by Allah, leading to an elevated and distinctive state of God-consciousness unique to the believer.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Muhammad 47:17 is discussed in 11 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Muhammad 47:17 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.