Transliteration:( Wassaabiqoonas saabiqoon )
"And (thirdly) are those who took the lead [14]—they have already taken the lead."
✅ [14] This refers to those who excelled in good deeds in the world and are, therefore, ahead in rank on the Day of Judgement.
This elite group includes:
– The Companions who were the first to migrate,
– Those who accepted Islam early,
– Those who prayed facing both Qiblas, and
– Believers who consistently led in performing righteous deeds.
Some scholars interpret this to include the practicing scholars (Ulama). Others say it refers to those who worshipped Allah in their youth and remained pure from sin.
➡️ This verse also implies that such individuals will be so highly honoured that:
– They may not even be handed a book of deeds,
– Nor be held to account, as they are mentioned separately from both the right-hand and left-hand groups.
🔹 It is also noted that infants who pass away will likewise not receive a book of deeds, as they have no actions to be judged upon.
The tafsir of Surah Waqiah verse 10 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Waqiah ayat 1 which provides the complete commentary from verse 1 through 12.
(56:10) As for the Foremost, they will be the foremost![7]
7. Sabiqoon (the foremost) implies the people who excelled others in virtue and love of the truth and in good works and responded to the call of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) before others. They were also in the forefront in their response to the call for jihad, for spending their wealth for the sake of the needy and for public services, or for inviting others to virtue and truth. In short, they are ever ready for spreading the good and wiping out evil and making sacrifices and exerting themselves whenever there was need for it. On this very basis, in the Hereafter too, they will be placed in the forefront.
Thus, mankind, so to say, will be ranged in Allah’s court like this: On the right hand, there will be the righteous, on the left the wicked, and in the forefront (nearest in divine presence) the Sabiqoon (the foremost in faith and good deeds). According to a Hadith reported by Aishah the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked the people: Do you know who, on the Day of Resurrection, will he the first to be accommodated under the divine shade? The people said Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) only had the best knowledge. Thereupon the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: Those who were such that when the truth was presented before them, they accepted it forthwith; when a right was asked of them, they discharged it gracefully; and their decision in respect of others was the same as in respect of their own selves. (Musnad Ahmad).
[1611]- The words can also be understood as a complete sentence, i.e., "The forerunners [in good deeds] are the forerunners [in entering Paradise]."
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