Tafsir of Al-A'la 87:14

Surah Al-A'la (The Most High): Verse 14

{قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّى} He has succeeded who purifies himself.

Regarding this verse, there are two interpretations:

1. Contrast with Warning: Since Allah (Exalted is He) mentioned the warning for those who turn away from contemplating and reflecting upon the signs of Allah, He followed it up with the promise of success for those who purify themselves (tazzakā) and cleanse themselves from the filth of polytheism (Shirk).

2. Meaning of Growth/Abundance (Al-Zajjaj's View): This view suggests that tazzakā means increasing in piety (taqwā). This is because the meaning of Zākī (the root of tazzakā) implies growth and abundance.
   • This second view is supported by Allah's statement: {Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers} (Al-Mu'minun: 2-1). Success is affirmed for those who gather these characteristics. Similarly, at the beginning of Al-Baqarah, He states: {And those are the successful ones} (Al-Baqarah: 5).

As for the first view (purification from disbelief), it is supported by two points:

1. Since the verse does not specify what one must purify oneself from, we understand that the intended purification is from what was previously mentioned before the verse—which is disbelief (kufr). Thus, the meaning here is: {He has succeeded who purifies himself} from the disbelief mentioned just prior to this verse.
2. An absolute noun (al-ism al-muṭlaq) refers to the perfect manifestation of its meaning. The most complete form of purification is the purification of the heart from the darkness of disbelief. Therefore, this absolute term must be directed toward that meaning. This interpretation is further confirmed by what is narrated from Ibn Abbas, who said the meaning of {tazzakā} is uttering: "There is no god but Allah."

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Now, concerning His statement:

{وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّى} And remembers the Name of his Lord and prays.