The Righteous Shall Inherit the Earth: Reflections on Qur’an 21:105 and the Promise of Justice

Introduction

In Islamic belief, the 9^th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal marks the beginning of the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), the awaited saviour who will establish justice across the world. Among the Qur’anic verses that connect to this vision of universal justice is verse 105 of Surah al-Anbiya, which affirms that ultimate inheritance of the earth belongs not to the corrupt or the powerful, but to Allah’s righteous servants:

وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِنْ بَعْدِ الذِّكْرِ أَنَّ الْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ الصَّالِحُونَ ﴿الأنبياء، ١٠٥﴾

“And We have already written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.” (Al-Anbiya, 21:105)

Educational messages of this ayah for teenagers and youth

1. True Awaiting Requires Righteousness

A genuine believer awaiting the Imam must be righteous in heart, speech, and action; without this, one cannot claim true expectation.

Practical Challenge: Each night, reflect on your words and deeds of the day and ask: “Did they reflect the values of someone truly awaiting the Imam?”

2. False Claims of Loyalty

Anyone who claims to follow the Imam but speaks or acts unrighteously is not truthful in their claim.

Practical Challenge: When you admire someone’s words, pause and check whether their actions match their speech before taking them as a role model.

3. Do Not Be Deceived by Temporary Success

Worldly ease for the corrupt should not mislead you; in the end, goodness belongs to the righteous.

Practical Challenge: Next time you see someone prosper through dishonesty or wrongdoing, remind yourself that their end is not the measure of success.

4. Even Worldly Gain Belongs to the Righteous

If a person truly thinks wisely, even pursuit of worldly benefit requires righteousness, because ultimate good in this world is for the righteous, not the sinful.

Practical Challenge: In making a personal goal (study, work, or project), choose to achieve it through honest and ethical means only.

5. Hope in a Just Future

This verse reminds young Muslims that oppression and corruption will not last forever.

Practical Challenge: When you see injustice online or around you, respond with a hopeful and constructive comment rather than despair.

6. Resisting Peer Pressure

Standing with truth is part of preparing for the world of justice promised by Allah.

Practical Challenge: The next time friends pressure you to act against your values, politely refuse and explain your reasoning.

7. Digital Responsibility

Spreading falsehood and hate online goes against the spirit of righteous living.

Practical Challenge: Share one post or story on social media that promotes kindness, truth, or justice.

Educational messages of this ayah for parents

1. Nurturing Faith Beyond Materialism

Raise your children with belief in the unseen and protect them from a purely materialistic outlook; belief in the Imam requires a vision beyond worldly gain.

Practical Challenge: Share with your children one example from the Qur’an or history where unseen faith triumphed over material power.

2. Teaching the Value of Righteous Deeds

Remind your children that faith and belief gain their true worth only when reflected in righteous action.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your child to choose one good deed this week—such as helping a neighbour or speaking kindly—and link it to their faith.

3. Raising Children for a Just Future

The future belongs to the righteous, and parents play a vital role in preparing their children to live in a just society and to serve the mission of Imam al-Mahdi (aj).

Practical Challenge: Set aside time this week to teach your children a Qur’anic value through a story or example and introduce them to the Imam’s mission in a simple and hopeful way.

Educational messages of this ayah for Imams and religious leaders

1. Active Awaiting, Not Passive Waiting

Remind your audience that mere passive expectation will not hasten the Imam’s reappearance; everyone must actively strive to become better and more righteous to help prepare the ground for his coming.

Practical Challenge: Encourage congregants to set one personal goal for self-improvement this week – whether in worship, ethics, or community service – and dedicate it as part of their active awaiting of the Imam.

2. Linking Scripture to Today’s World

Connect the Qur’anic promise of justice to current struggles faced by Muslims globally.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate part of a sermon to highlighting a contemporary issue of injustice and linking it to this verse.

3. Encouraging Community Activism

Faith should inspire action for justice in society.

Practical Challenge: Invite congregants to take part in a local community initiative that promotes fairness and care for others.

4. Teaching Practical Righteousness

Righteousness is more than rituals; it must shape daily life.

Practical Challenge: Offer a series of short, practical reminders after prayers on everyday honesty, kindness, and fairness.