The first thing we learn from this ayah is that Allah told His Prophet to say it. Why? Because the Prophet will be the messenger of Allah, determining what is good and what is not good.

We as Muslims need to understand that the example of good will be the Prophet himself, not society. We sometimes follow society in what is normal and what is not and what is acceptable and unacceptable.

But society is always constantly changing, what was good once is not good now. What was rated R once, then changed to PG and now it’s fine. Standards in society are always changing. So where do we draw the line?

The Prophet ( Salallahu alayhi wasallam) has been authorised to draw the line.

Allah then says “even if the multitude of filth impresses you.” Meaning, even if the filth dazzles you, even if everyone is doing the bad… be strange, because good is what is rare.

He then says that only the people of understanding of sound mind will pay heed to this and will be the successful ones.

What is amazing is that the word used for success in this ayah is افلاح which is used when you work really hard for something and then eventually attain success. Allah is reminding us that yes, seeking out the pure from the filth that surrounds us, will require incredible effort, but don’t worry one day you will see success and will attain that victory.

And Allah knows best.