Calling to Allah · Quran topic
Encouragement
الترغيب · Targhib
How divine promises of good awaken the human heart toward loving obedience and enduring faith.
154 verses · 8 parts · 10 min read
Study guide based on
موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
«الترغيب» · Volume 5
At a glance
Encouragement (al-targhib) is one of the Quran's primary methods for guiding the human soul. Grounded in Allah's mercy, it presents believers with alluring promises of benefit, joy, and honor, both in this fleeting world and in the eternal life to come. By kindling genuine longing in the heart, the Quran transforms righteous action from a burden into an eager, loving pursuit.
Rather than relying on intimidation, the Quran balances encouragement with warning, appealing to human nature's innate desire for goodness and fear of harm. Through vivid portrayals of divine grace, wholesome earthly living, and the unfathomable delights of Paradise, believers are motivated to hold firmly to faith and embody noble character.
Ultimately, understanding divine encouragement deepens your connection with Allah. It reminds you that every command from your Creator is paired with immense generosity, inviting you to run toward His pleasure with hope, devotion, and a tranquil heart.
Key verses
- Al-Baqarah 2:153: Allah encourages believers to seek support through patience and prayer, promising His divine companionship to those who remain steadfast.
- An-Nur 24:56: Allah couples the establishment of prayer and charity with obedience to the Messenger, encouraging believers with the promise of receiving His encompassing mercy.
- At-Tawbah 9:103: The Prophet is instructed to take charity to purify and elevate believers, showing how giving cleanses the soul and brings inner tranquility through divine prayers.
Words to know
- الترغيب al-targhib
A divine promise accompanied by endearment and allure toward an immediate or deferred benefit, sparking eager desire to obey Allah.
Appears 8 times in the Quran.
Most common forms: يَرْغَبُ (4), راغِب (3), رَغَب (1)
Root: ر غ ب
- الإرادة al-iradah
An inclination and intent of the soul that follows the conviction that an action holds benefit.
- الوعد al-wa'd
A commitment or assurance regarding good, used primarily in conveying positive recompense.
Root: و ع د
- الحث al-hathth
Urging and prompting someone toward an action with emphasis, swiftness, and resolve.
- الترهيب al-tarhib
A divine warning of imminent or deferred punishment designed to deter servants from sin and neglect of duty.
Methods of presenting encouragement
From the paper: «أساليب عرض الترغيب»
The Quran presents encouragement across multiple artistic and pedagogical styles, masterfully pairing hope with awe to address the totality of the human heart.
First, the Quran frequently unites encouragement and warning within a single verse. For instance, Allah declares His swiftness in retribution while simultaneously emphasizing that He is entirely forgiving and merciful Al-An'am 6:165. This ensures that fear does not lapse into despair nor hope into complacency.
Second, encouragement and warning appear in two consecutive verses. Allah instructs His Messenger to inform His servants that He is the Forgiving, the Merciful, followed immediately by the reminder that His torment is painful Al-Hijr 15:49-50. Similarly, the declaration of His severe grip Al-Buruj 85:12 is balanced by His description as the All-Forgiving, the Loving Al-Buruj 85:14.
Third, the Quran presents extensive contrasting passages. In Surah al-Zumar, Allah portrays the disbelievers driven to Hell in groups Az-Zumar 39:71-72, followed at once by the righteous being led honorably to Paradise with welcoming angels Az-Zumar 39:73-74. Surah al-Waqi'ah details the shaded orchards and pure springs of the companions of the right Al-Waqi'ah 56:27-40, set directly against the scorching winds and boiling waters awaiting the companions of the left Al-Waqi'ah 56:41-45.
«وهذا الأسلوب يأتي ضمن مجموعة من الآيات تشتمل على الترغيب والترهيب، فقد رهّب تعالى من حال الكافرين وهم يساقون جماعات إلى جهنم، ورغّب بحال المتقين، وهم يدخلون الغرفات وبالثواب الذي أعده الله للفائزين بالجنة.»موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Encouragement toward faith
From the paper: «أولًا: الترغيب في الإيمان»
Belief in Allah is the foremost obligation upon humanity, serving as the foundational pillar upon which all other articles of faith rest An-Nisa 4:136. Consequently, the Quran uses abundant forms of encouragement to draw hearts toward enduring faith.
Among these allurements is the attainment of Allah's supreme pleasure, which exceeds all physical delights of Paradise At-Tawbah 9:72, reserved solely for those who believe and work righteousness Al-Bayyinah 98:7-8. The Quran also promises believers an immense, magnanimous reward Ali 'Imran 3:179, leaving the compensation unspecified in certain passages to underscore its boundless magnitude An-Nisa 4:152.
Furthermore, faith grants inner guidance and resilience during calamity: whoever believes in Allah finds their heart guided to acceptance and peace At-Taghabun 64:11, grasping an unbreakable handhold of truth Al-Baqarah 2:256. Believers are encouraged through promises of worldly dignity and high spiritual ranks Al-Mujadilah 58:11, security and establishment upon the earth An-Nur 24:55, and a wholesome life filled with contentment An-Nahl 16:97. Above all, faith secures the intimate guardianship of Allah Ali 'Imran 3:68 and deliverance into gardens adorned with gold and silk Al-Hajj 22:23, which represents the ultimate victory over worldly illusion Ali 'Imran 3:185.
«بيـّن الله عز وجل أن من أصابتـه مصيبة فعلم أنها بقضاء الله وقدره، فآمن بالله عز وجل وبما كتب له فصبر واحتسب؛ كانت له الهداية القلبية، في جميع أحواله وأقواله وأفعاله وفي علمه وعمله، ويهديه في الآخرة لدخول الجنة، فيستقيم أمره كله.»موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Encouragement toward good deeds
From the paper: «ثانيًا: الترغيب في الأعمال الصالحة»
The Quran motivates believers toward righteous actions, placing the foundational acts of worship at the very center of its appeals.
Prayer receives profound emphasis as a direct channel of aid Al-Baqarah 2:153 and reverence Al-Baqarah 2:45. It acts as a divine shield curbing indecency Al-Ankabut 29:45, draws sustenance into households that uphold it Ta-Ha 20:132, and mirrors the blessed provision given to Maryam in her sanctuary Ali 'Imran 3:37. Regular prayer wipes away missteps Al-Ma'idah 5:12, channels divine mercy An-Nur 24:56, and instills moral discipline, whereas heedless neglect invites severe reproach Al-Ma'un 107:4-5.
Charity (zakah) is tied to prayer across dozens of passages Al-Baqarah 2:43, Al-Bayyinah 98:5. It purifies the soul from greed and brings inner peace At-Tawbah 9:103, setting true believers apart from stingy hypocrites At-Tawbah 9:67. Almsgiving is a hallmark of godly leaders Al-Hajj 22:41 and the virtuous who allocate rights for the needy Adh-Dhariyat 51:15-19, Al-Ma'arij 70:24-25. It cures obsession with wealth, guarantees divine replacement Saba 34:39, bridges social divides At-Tawbah 9:60, and secures Allah's companionship An-Nahl 16:128.
Fasting cultivates God-consciousness (taqwa) by disciplining desires Al-Baqarah 2:183, promotes social goodness Ali 'Imran 3:110, opens doors to answered prayer Al-Baqarah 2:186, and secures great forgiveness Al-Ahzab 33:35.
Finally, Hajj trains the soul in pure submission Al-Baqarah 2:196, Ali 'Imran 3:97, supplying hearts with the best spiritual provision of piety Al-Hajj 22:37, Al-Baqarah 2:197, Al-Hajj 22:32 alongside beneficial worldly and otherworldly gains Al-Hajj 22:27-28.
«فقد شرع الله الزكاة تطهيرًا لنفوس البشرية من الشح والبخل والطمع، ومواساة للفقراء والمساكين والمحتاجين، وتطهيرًا للمال وتنميته، وإحلال البركة فيه، ووقايته من الآفات والفساد، وإقامة المصالح العامة التي تتوقف عليها حياة الأمة وسعادتها.»موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Encouragement toward good morals
From the paper: «ثالثًا: الترغيب في الأخلاق الحسنة»
Noble conduct holds an elevated status in the Quran, highlighted by Allah's praise of the Prophet's exalted moral character Al-Qalam 68:4. The Quran motivates believers to cultivate foundational virtues, particularly patience, mercy, and truthfulness.
Patience (sabr) is portrayed as an essential requirement for ultimate prosperity Ali 'Imran 3:200. It earns Allah's special company Al-Baqarah 2:153, secures divine aid and victory against adversity Ali 'Imran 3:125, and attracts His divine love Ali 'Imran 3:146. Patient believers receive boundless pardon and magnificent reward Hud 11:11, escaping the inherent ruin of humanity Al-Asr 103:1-3.
Mercy is likewise encouraged through various deeds. Submitting patiently during loss yields blessings, mercy, and guidance Al-Baqarah 2:156-157. Striving selflessly in Allah's cause secures a mercy superior to all worldly accumulations Ali 'Imran 3:157-158. Attentive listening to the recitation of the Quran attracts divine mercy Al-A'raf 7:204, as does the maintenance of prayer, charity, and obedience An-Nur 24:56, alongside reconciling disputing believers Al-Hujurat 49:10.
Truthfulness (sidq) stands as the hallmark of prophets, celebrated in Ibrahim Maryam 19:41, Ismail Maryam 19:54, and Idris Maryam 19:56. Believers are urged to align themselves with the truthful At-Tawbah 9:119. Sincerity fosters true piety Az-Zumar 39:33, grants grand forgiveness Al-Ahzab 33:35, and guarantees eternal admittance into blissful gardens under Allah's everlasting pleasure.
قال الشوكاني في تفسيره للآية: «فيها أعظم ترغيب لعباده سبحانه إلى لزوم الصبر على ما ينوب من الخطوب، فمن كان الله معه لم يخش من الأهوال؛ وإن كانت كالجبال».موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Encouragement toward reward
From the paper: «رابعًا: الترغيب في الثواب»
The Quran utilizes the concept of divine recompense (thawab) to encourage righteous striving. Linguistically meaning that which returns to a person as the fruit of their labor, thawab is predominantly applied in sacred custom to the generous rewards of the Hereafter, though it can encompass worldly outcomes.
The Quran employs the term across five distinct shades of meaning:
- As righteous obedience and its eternal fruit, exemplified by the glorious reward and beautiful resting place of Paradise Al-Kahf 18:31.
- As victory, conquest, and worldly triumph, which Allah granted to steadfast believers who fought faithfully alongside their prophets, paired with the superior reward of the Hereafter Ali 'Imran 3:148.
- As divine compensation and recompense for pure declarations of faith and sincerity, resulting in rivers flowing beneath heavenly gardens Al-Ma'idah 5:85.
- As fleeting worldly enjoyment or spoils, warning those whose intentions are restricted to worldly gain that Allah possesses both earthly and eternal rewards An-Nisa 4:134.
- As an accumulation or compounding of distress upon distress, used in a cautionary sense to divert the believers from sorrow over missed gains during battle Ali 'Imran 3:153.
By framing recompense around intentionality, the Quran inspires believers to set their hopes entirely upon Allah's lasting grace.
«الثواب» يعني: «الرجوع»، ويطلق «الثواب» على أفعال العباد وأعمالهم، بمعنى ما يرجع إليهم من جزاء أعمالهم، ولفظ (الثواب)، وإن كان في اللغة يطلق على الجزاء الدنيوي والأخروي، إلا أنه قد اختص في العرف بالجزاء الأخروي على الأعمال الصالحة من العقائد الحقة، والأعمال البدنية والمالية.موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Forms of encouragement in the Holy Quran
From the paper: «صور الترغيب في القرآن الكريم»
The Quran appeals to human motivation through both immediate earthly blessings and eternal heavenly pleasures.
In worldly life, the Quran encourages believers with the promise of a wholesome existence filled with tranquility, contentment, and lawful provision An-Nahl 16:97. True faith unmarred by wrongdoing yields complete inner security and guidance, while collective piety unlocks blessings pouring from the heavens and earth. Similarly, seeking forgiveness draws abundant rain, wealth, offspring, and flourishing gardens Nuh 71:10-12.
In the Hereafter, encouragement reaches its zenith with delights that no soul can fully conceive As-Sajdah 32:17, leaving faces radiant and laughing Abasa 80:38-39 in secure dwellings Ad-Dukhan 44:51-56. The greatest of all rewards is gazing upon the noble countenance of Allah Al-Qiyamah 75:22-23, an extraordinary addition exceeding all physical delights Yunus 10:26.
Believers are further motivated by the ascending ranks of Paradise Al-Isra 17:21, Ta-Ha 20:75, Al-Anfal 8:2-4, where those who strive are elevated degrees above those who sit back An-Nisa 4:95-96. They are promised luminous elevated chambers (ghuraf) Al-Ankabut 29:58, Saba 34:36, Az-Zumar 39:20, lush fruits resembling worldly varieties in appearance yet surpassing them in flavor Al-Baqarah 2:25, perpetual meat and delicacies At-Tur 52:22, Al-Waqi'ah 56:21, and flowing rivers of unpolluted water, fresh milk, delightful wine, and refined honey Muhammad 47:15, Al-Waqi'ah 56:19, As-Saffat 37:47.
«فمهمـا طال نعيـم الدنيـا فهـو زائـل لا محالة، أما نعيـم الآخرة فهو سرمدي دائم، لا يكتنـف صاحبه سـقم ولا ألـم ولا ملـل.»موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
The effect of encouragement on human behavior
From the paper: «أثر الترغيب في سلوك المرء»
A primary objective of the Quran is refining human conduct, purifying the inner soul, and elevating the believer toward moral excellence. The Quran guides toward what is most upright and delivers joyful tidings of immense reward to those who perform righteous deeds Al-Isra 17:9.
When a believer contemplates the Quranic promises of grace, their spiritual aspirations rise above trivial pursuits and corrupt habits. Reflecting upon divine encouragement motivates a person to abandon the path of hypocrites, distance themselves from transgression, and draw near to Allah in private and public through heartfelt prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
This continuous exposure to divine promises shapes inner uprightness (istiqamah). Those who declare their faith in Allah and remain steadfast receive angelic reassurance dispelling fear and grief, accompanied by joyful news of Paradise Fussilat 41:30. Steadfast obedience transforms daily habits, bringing peace, dignity, and closeness to Allah while establishing moral consistency in both private conscience and public dealings.
يقول السعدي في تفسيره: «اعترفوا ونطقوا ورضوا بربوبية الله تعالى، واستسلموا لأمره، ثم استقاموا على الصراط المستقيم، علمًا وعملًا فلهم البشرى في الحياة الدنيا وفي الآخرة».موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Benefits of encouragement in education and preaching
From the paper: «فوائد الترغيب في التربية والدعوة»
Encouragement serves as an indispensable educational and da'wah methodology. Because human nature naturally seeks reward and shrinks from harm, educators must nurture the heart with the love of Allah and hope in His grace before relying on intimidation.
In education, true upbringing trains individuals in virtue through encouragement and sound guidance, rooted firmly in pure monotheism. This mirrors the wisdom of Luqman, whose very first counsel to his son was avoiding idolatry Luqman 31:13.
In calling people to Allah (da'wah), encouragement mirrors the divine way, as Allah Himself invites humanity to the Abode of Peace Yunus 10:25. Upholding this prophetic mission is the hallmark of the best community Ali 'Imran 3:110, making the words of the caller among the fairest speech Fussilat 41:33.
Effective da'wah endears Allah to His servants by recounting His bounties, mercy, and perfection. It encourages the pursuit of revelation, noble manners, kindness, and timely reminders tailored to people's circumstances. Inviting to good incorporates encouraging the right (commanding good) and encouraging the avoidance of the harmful (forbidding wrong), leading to comprehensive triumph in both worlds Ali 'Imran 3:104.
«وبمثل هذا الأسلوب ينشّأ المرء على محبة الله تعالى والحرص على طاعته، ويغرس في قلبه الخوف منه والرجاء فيه تعالى، فهذا الأسلوب يغرس الفضائل الإسلامية والقيم النبيلة.»موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Takeaways
Balance Hope and Reverence
Follow the Quranic model by pairing hope in Allah's vast mercy with healthy consciousness of His justice, avoiding both despair and careless complacency.
Rely on Prayer in Times of Need
Turn actively to prayer and patience whenever challenges arise, trusting in Allah's promise to provide sustenance, clarity, and steadfastness.
Purify Wealth to Cure Inner Greed
Give regular charity with a willing heart, recognizing that fulfilling the rights of the needy cleanses your wealth and secures divine peace.
Lead with Love in Nurturing Others
When teaching children or advising peers, emphasize Allah's generosity, beautiful rewards, and welcoming grace before highlighting warnings.
Keep the Ultimate Goal in Sight
Remind yourself daily of eternal rewards, especially the supreme honor of gazing upon Allah's noble countenance, to keep worldly hardships in perspective.
Reflect
- Which divine promise in the Quran brings the greatest comfort to your heart when you feel weary?
- How can you reframe your daily acts of worship from rigid duties into loving responses to Allah's generous invitations?
- When advising your family or friends, do you tend to emphasize encouragement or warning, and how can you balance them better?
- In what ways has remembering the eternal reality of Paradise helped you let go of worldly frustration or material loss?
Go deeper
Linguistic meaning
Linguistically, the root ra-ghi-ba carries two contrasting connotations depending on preposition usage: with 'fi' it denotes intense desire, wide intent, and eagerness for something, while with ''an' it signifies turning away, intentional abandonment, and ascetic disinterest.
«الثاني: ويأتـي بمعنى الترك، يقال: رغب عن الشيء تركه متعمدًا، وزهد فيه ولم يرده، فإذا قيل: رغب عنه اقتضى صرف الرغبة عنه والزهد فيه.»موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
Technical meaning
Technically, encouragement is a promise from Allah to His servants carrying endearment and allure toward an immediate or deferred benefit, pleasure, or delight, accompanied by eager desire and resolve, in exchange for doing a good deed or abandoning an evil deed out of obedience to Allah.
والتعريف المختار هو: «وعد من الله سبحانه لعباده فيه تحبيب وإغراء بمصلحة، أو لذة أو متعة عاجلـة أو آجلة، يتبعه حرص وإرادة، مقابل القيام بعمل صالح أو ترك عمل سيء؛ طاعة لله تعالى ».موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
Volume 5
How it differs from related terms
- الإرادة Will / Intention
- While al-iradah refers broadly to an internal inclination and intention following the belief that an act is beneficial, encouragement (al-targhib) is the external promise accompanied by endearment and attraction that sparks and directs that intention toward realizing the benefit.
- الوعد Promise
- Al-wa'd is a general commitment or assurance predominantly used for positive outcomes, whereas al-targhib is specifically a promise infused with affectionate allure, keen desire, and moral incentive to motivate action.
- الحث Urging
- Al-hathth signifies prompting and pressing someone toward an action with emphasis and swiftness, whereas al-targhib provides the underlying allure and delightful prospect of reward that inspires that promptness.
- الترهيب Intimidation / Warning
- Al-tarhib is the direct conceptual counterpart to al-targhib: where encouragement relies on promises, love, desire, and joy, intimidation operates through warnings, threats, apprehension, and fear of punishment.
Every verse in the paper
All 154 verses the research paper discusses, grouped under its own headings.
Encouragement in Quranic usage «التّرغيب في الاستعمال القرآني»
Methods of presenting encouragement «أساليب عرض الترغيب»
Combining encouragement and deterrence in a single verse «أولًا: الجمع بين الترغيب والترهيب في آية واحدة»
Combining encouragement and deterrence in two consecutive verses «ثانيًا: الجمع بين الترغيب والترهيب في آيتين منفصلتين متتابعتين»
Combining encouragement and deterrence in a Quranic passage «ثالثًا: الجمع بين الترغيب والترهيب في مقطع قرآني»
39:71-72, 39:73-74, 56:27-40, 56:41-45
Fields of encouragement «مجالات الترغيب»
Encouragement toward faith «أولًا: الترغيب في الإيمان»
4:136, 9:72, 98:7-8, 3:179, 4:152, 64:11, 2:256, 58:11, 24:55, 3:68, 22:23, 3:185
Encouragement toward good deeds «ثانيًا: الترغيب في الأعمال الصالحة»
2:153, 2:45, 29:45, 20:132, 3:37, 5:12, 24:56, 107:4-5, 2:43, 98:5, 9:103, 9:67, 22:41, 51:15-19, 59:9, 70:24-25, 34:39, 9:60, 16:128, 2:183, 3:110, 2:186, 33:35, 2:196, 3:97, 22:37, 2:197, 22:32, 22:27-28
Encouragement toward good morals «ثالثًا: الترغيب في الأخلاق الحسنة»
68:4, 3:200, 2:153, 3:125, 3:146, 11:11, 103:1-3, 9:128, 2:156-157, 3:157-158, 7:204, 24:56, 49:10, 9:119, 19:41, 19:50, 19:54, 19:56, 39:33, 33:35, 5:11
Encouragement toward reward «رابعًا: الترغيب في الثواب»
99:7, 3:195, 5:60, 5:85, 18:31, 3:148, 4:134, 3:153
Forms of encouragement in the Holy Quran «صور الترغيب في القرآن الكريم»
Encouragement through worldly pleasures «أولًا: الترغيب بملذات دنيوية»
Encouragement through pleasures of the hereafter «ثانيًا: الترغيب بملذات الآخرة»
32:17, 80:38-39, 44:51-56, 75:22-23, 10:26, 55:60, 17:21, 20:75, 8:2-4, 4:95-96, 29:58, 34:36, 39:20, 2:25, 47:15, 20:118-119, 69:24, 43:71, 52:22, 56:21, 56:19, 37:47
The effect of encouragement on human behavior «أثر الترغيب في سلوك المرء»
Benefits of encouragement in education and preaching «فوائد الترغيب في التربية والدعوة»
Benefits of encouragement in education «أولًا: فوائد الترغيب في التربية»
Benefits of encouragement in preaching «ثانيًا: فوائد الترغيب في الدعوة»
About this source
موسوعة التفسير الموضوعي للقرآن الكريم
مركز تفسير للدراسات القرآنية
- Volume
- 5
- Research paper
- «الترغيب» (Encouragement)
Encyclopedia of Thematic Tafsir of the Noble Quran, published by the Tafsir Center for Quranic Studies.
This study guide summarizes the Arabic research paper. For full scholarly detail, refer to the original. This preview has not been reviewed yet.