Surah Hūd

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

[Surah Hūd (11): verse 23]

“Indeed, those who believe, do righteous deeds, and humbly turn to their Lord are the people of Paradise; they will abide there forever.” (23)

The original linguistic meaning of khabt is low-lying ground. Ibn ʿAbbās and Qatādah explained the word al-mukhbitīn in light of this meaning, saying: “They are the humble.” Mujāhid said: “A mukhbit is someone whose heart finds tranquillity in Allah, Mighty and Majestic.” He added: “Khabt is low-lying, level ground.”

Al-Akhfash said: “Those who are humbly submissive.” Ibrāhīm al-Nakhaʿī said: “Those who pray with sincerity.” Al-Kalbī said: “Those whose hearts are tender.” ʿAmr ibn Aws said: “Those who do not wrong others and, when wronged, do not retaliate.”

These explanations revolve around two meanings: humility and finding repose in Allah, Mighty and Majestic. Thus, the verb is followed by the preposition ilā (“to”), because it also conveys the meanings of finding tranquillity in Allah, turning to Him in devotion, and finding repose in Him.