Surah Al-Ma'arij 70:22
سُورَةُ المَعَارِجِ · Meccan · Verse 22 of 44
إِلَّا ٱلْمُصَلِّينَ
Translation
Not so those who pray
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Surah 70 begins with a stark portrayal of the human condition: "Indeed, mankind was created with impatience and intense greed." The verses describe this individual as easily distressed when hardship strikes, and withholding when good fortune arrives. Then, the Quran introduces a pivotal word that shifts the entire narrative: "إِلَّا ٱلْمُصَلِّينَ" (except the prayerful ones).
The Transformative Exception
The Arabic word "إِلَّا" (illa), meaning "except," serves as a powerful signal. It immediately carves out a distinct group from the general description of humanity. As Ibn Ashur explains, this is a "disconnected exception," acting like a "but" to remedy the preceding negative portrayal. It tells us that while impatience and greed might seem ingrained in human nature, they are not an inescapable destiny. Al-Zamakhshari highlights that this exception implies that these traits are not compulsory; through spiritual struggle, one can rise above them. This single word offers hope, showing that transformation is possible.
Who are 'The Prayerful Ones'?
The chosen word "ٱلْمُصَلِّينَ" (al-musalleen, the prayerful ones) is profound. As Mahmud Safi notes, it is an active participle from the verb 'salla,' meaning it refers to those who are *actively and continuously* performing prayer, not merely those who have prayed in the past. It denotes a consistent state and an identity. Al-Jalalayn and Ibn Ashur clarify that in this context, "al-musalleen" is a comprehensive term for "the believers," signifying that prayer is their distinguishing characteristic. Ibn Ashur references another verse (74:42-43) to show how "the prayerful" became a recognized label for those who believe. This isn't just about the physical act of prayer, but about the character and way of life that prayer cultivates.
Why Prayer is the Key
What is notably unsaid here is also significant. The verse doesn't say "except the patient ones" or "except the generous ones," though these are the opposites of the negative traits mentioned earlier. Instead, it names "the prayerful." This choice implies that prayer is not just one virtue among many, but the foundational practice that enables a believer to develop patience, generosity, and other righteous qualities. It is through the consistent establishment of prayer that individuals overcome the inherent human tendencies towards distress and greed, becoming beacons of transformation in their character. The subsequent verses then elaborate on the specific traits and behaviors that define these "prayerful ones."
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Qur'anic Worlds
In Surah Al-Ma'arij, Allah first describes a challenging truth about general human nature. We learn that humans, by their very design, tend to become overly anxious and impatient when difficulty strikes, and then become extremely possessive and unwilling to share when good fortune comes their way. This sets a scene where human beings often struggle with their inner selves, prone to both despair and greed.
The Exception
Then, in verse 22, Allah makes a profound exception: "إِلَّا ٱلْمُصَلِّينَ" (except the performers of salah). This highlights a specific group of people who rise above these common human weaknesses. As scholars like al-Baghawi point out, the word "man" (الإنسان) here represents humanity in general, and this verse carves out a distinct category, much like how other verses exempt "those who believe and do righteous deeds" from overall loss.
A Defining Mark
For the early community hearing this revelation, this was a critical teaching in their "World of Revelation." Mufti Shafi explains that singling out "the performers of salah" is not just listing a quality, but rather designating *salah* (ritual prayer) as "the greatest sign and the essential characteristic of a believer." It was, and remains, the ultimate indicator of someone's faith. Sayyid Qutb further emphasizes that prayer is fundamentally a pillar of Islam and a clear sign of one's belief. It is the direct means of connecting with Allah, a sacred space where the worshipper stands before their Lord, transcending the worldly anxieties and attachments that burden others.
This verse therefore defines who the true believers are in the context of Allah's revelation. It shows that through consistent prayer, guided by Allah, individuals can overcome their innate inclinations towards impatience and miserliness, and instead embody qualities of patience, generosity, and inner peace.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Kathir
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Ma'arij 70:22 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Ma'arij 70:22 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.