al-Ṣalāḥ is interpreted in seven ways:
1. al-Ṣalāḥ is used in the sense of iman (faith), as in the following verses:
...Gardens of perpetual residence. They will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants {that is, those among their fathers, spouses, and descendants who had iman (faith)}. (al-Raʿd 13:23)
And marry off the righteous among your slaves and maidservants {that is, those who are believers} (al-Nūr 24:32)
Join me with the righteous {that is, with my ancestors who had iman} (Yūsuf 12:101)
(Solomon said:) "Admit me by Your mercy into the company of Your righteous servants {that is, those who are believers}" (al-Naml 27:19)
2. al-Ṣalāḥ is used in the sense of goodness or superiority of status, as in the following verses:
After that you will be a righteous people {that is, your status in the sight of your father will be good/superior}. (Yūsuf 12:9)
And indeed, he (that is, Abraham) will be among the righteous in the Hereafter {that is, in terms of his status before Allah, he is among the good/superior ones}. (al-Baqara 2:130)
A similar example is found in Sūrat al-Naḥl.
3. al-Ṣalāḥ is used in the sense of rifq (gentleness), as in the following verses:
If Allah wills, you will find me among the righteous {that is, among those who treat you with rifq (gentleness and good conduct)}. (al-Qaṣaṣ 28:27)
(Moses said to Aaron:) "Be my successor among my people and reform {that is, treat them with rifq (gentleness and good conduct)}!" (al-Aʿrāf 7:142)
4. al-Ṣalāḥ is used in the sense of soundness or perfection in creation, as in the following verse:
If You grant us a righteous child {that is, Adam and Eve said: "If You give us a child whose creation is sound [with limbs intact, healthy and whole]!... (al-Aʿrāf 7:189)
5. al-Ṣalāḥ is used in the sense of ihsan (spiritual excellence, doing good and beautiful deeds, acting well); as in the following verse:
(Shuʿayb said:) "I only desire reform {that is, ihsan (goodness and beauty)} as much as I am able." (Hūd 11:88)
6. al-Ṣalāḥ is used in the sense of obedience, as in the following verses:
We are only reformers {that is, we are those who are obedient to Allah on earth}! (al-Baqara 2:11)
After its reformation {that is, after it has been made obedient}... (al-Aʿrāf 7:56)
As for those who believe and do righteous deeds {that is, those who obey Allah by observing His commands and prohibitions}...
7. The word al-Ṣalāḥ is used in matters related to trustworthiness, as in the following verse:
Their father was a righteous man {that is, in the matter of fulfilling trusts}. (al-Kahf 18:82)