مجلة الجامعة اليمنية : مجلة علمية محكمة - نصف سنوية تصدرها الجامعة اليمنية العدد الثاني عشر

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics of the people of faith through an exegetical analysis of Sūrat al-Maʿārij. The research aims to highlight the attributes of believers presented in this sūrah and to demonstrate the realism, comprehensiveness, and timeless relevance of the Noble Qur’an as a divine text suitable for every time and place.

The study provides an overview of Sūrat al-Maʿārij, including its designation and the reasons for its naming, the number of its verses, and its major thematic axes. It further seeks to identify and analyze the characteristics of the people of faith mentioned in the sūrah, drawing upon the interpretations of leading classical Qur’anic exegetes in order to enrich and deepen the interpretive understanding.

The study concludes with several key findings, most notably that the Noble Qur’an presents numerous characteristics of the people of faith, emphasizing the most essential and prominent among them, and calling believers to embody these qualities so as to live a truly faith-based life. The central theme around which the topics of Sūrat al-Maʿārij revolve is the characteristics of the believers. Owing to their importance, the attribute of safeguarding and maintaining prayer is reiterated, while bearing testimony is mentioned in a distinct verse, despite being encompassed within the broader concept of trust (amānah).

The characteristics of the people of faith in Sūrat al-Maʿārij are eight in number: they consistently observe and maintain prayer; they give zakāh; they affirm belief in the Day of Judgment; they guard their chastity; they stand firm in bearing testimony; and they faithfully observe trusts and covenants.