Surah Al-A'la 87:14
سُورَةُ الأَعۡلَىٰ · Meccan · Verse 14 of 19
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ
Translation
Prosperous are those who purify themselves,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
In Surah Al-A'la, after reminding us about those who fear Allah and those who turn away, Allah now declares a profound truth: "He has certainly succeeded, whoever purifies himself." (87:14) This verse, though concise, opens a vast door to understanding what true success means and how it is achieved.
The Certainty of Success
The verse begins with "قَدْ أَفْلَحَ" (Qad Aflaha), which means "He has certainly succeeded." The Arabic particle "قَدْ" (qad) before a past tense verb like "أَفْلَحَ" (aflaha) conveys a strong sense of certainty and affirmation. It's not a mere possibility; this success is a guaranteed, definite outcome, as Ibn Ashur explains. The word "فَلاح" (falah), or success, encompasses a comprehensive meaning: it is to achieve all that one yearns for, combining victory, benefit, and ultimate triumph. This success is so assured it is spoken of as if it has already happened, particularly for the Hereafter. It's the same profound declaration found in other verses like "Certainly, the believers have succeeded" (23:1) and "He has succeeded who purifies it [the soul]" (91:9).
What it Means to Purify Oneself
The focus then shifts to "مَن تَزَكَّىٰ" (man tazakka), meaning "whoever purifies himself." The word "مَن" (man) translates to "whoever," making this a universal declaration applicable to anyone who fulfills the condition. The verb "تَزَكَّىٰ" (tazakka) is particularly insightful. Its form in Arabic, "تَفَعَّلَ" (tafa'ala), implies an active, deliberate effort and striving. It means to exert oneself to become pure, to work diligently on one's purification, as noted by Ibn Ashur. This isn't passive purity but an ongoing journey.
Scholars highlight that this purification involves cleansing oneself from various forms of spiritual and moral dirt. Al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi both emphasize purifying oneself from polytheism (shirk) and sins. Al-Razi further states that the absolute nature of the word "تَزَكَّىٰ" here implies the *most complete* purification, which is purifying the heart from the darkness of disbelief (kufr). Ibn Ashur and Al-Jalalayn confirm this meaning by connecting it to purification through faith (iman). This purification begins fundamentally with monotheism – bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and affirming His messenger, Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him. It extends to purifying the inner self from corrupt thoughts and intentions, making the soul receptive to goodness.
The Order of Purification
Ibn Ashur points out that this purification (tazkiya) is presented first because it is the very foundation of all good deeds. When a person's soul is cleansed, the lights of guidance illuminate within them, enabling them to recognize what is beneficial and to embrace it enthusiastically. This makes "تَزَكَّىٰ" (tazakka) the essential prerequisite for true, lasting success declared by Allah.
Sources: Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-A'la 87:14 is discussed in 5 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-A'la 87:14 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.