Those who perform their prayers, believe in what was sent down to Prophet Muhammad r and what was sent down before him, believe in the hereafter, believe in all the revealed religions and do not commit crimes such as stealing, bribery, fornication, lying, backbiting and disobeying parents, are the truly the pious. This is the religion that they hold on to, as Rasulullah r has said:
((إنّما بُعثْتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ مَكَارِمَ الْأَخْلَاقِ))
“I have been divinely sent to perfect good character.”[1]
﴿ الْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴾ “who are successful.”: The word (الْمُفْلِحُونَ) comes from the word Al-Falaah which means success and prosperity. Hence, they are the successful. The word has the same origin as Al-Falaahah which means growing of crops. The Al-Fallaah, which means the farmer, harvests the plantations from the soil after sowing and caring for them. Allah r has said:
﴾مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنْبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنْبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ﴿
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 261].
The seed which is thrown to the Earth will eventually produce 700 seeds. This is where the issue of Al-Falaah which means success, comes in. Allah U multiplies His gifts for whoever He Wills.