Juz 16: Al-Kahf 75 to Ṭā Hā
Section 11 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
11. Later Generations and the Promise of Paradise | Verses: Maryam 19:51-58
After discussing Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his discourse with his father, Allah continues to mention several other prophets who were also guided and blessed. Musa (peace be upon him) is mentioned first with his brother Harun (peace be upon him). Allah honored Musa specially by speaking to him directly, and appointed his brother Harun as a prophet out of His mercy.
Allah then makes mention of Isma'il (peace be upon him), highlighting his steadfastness in fulfilling promises and his dedication to establishing prayer and giving zakah. This emphasis on prayer and charity reinforces the fundamental aspects of worship that Allah values in His prophets and expects from believers.
Among the prophets mentioned is also Idris (peace be upon him), who is described as truthful and elevated to a high position by Allah. Each of these prophets is praised for specific virtues, illustrating the diverse ways in which they exemplified excellence in faith and character.
Allah then makes a comprehensive statement encompassing all these prophets in verse 58:
أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ مِن ذُرِّيَّةِ آدَمَ وَمِمَّنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّةِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْرَائِيلَ وَمِمَّنْ هَدَيْنَا وَاجْتَبَيْنَا ۚ إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُ الرَّحْمَٰنِ خَرُّوا سُجَّدًا وَبُكِيًّا
“Those are the people whom Allah has blessed with bounties, the prophets from the progeny of Adam, and of those whom We caused to board (the Ark) along with Nūh, and from the progeny of Ibrāhīm and Isrā'īl (Jacob), and from those whom We guided and selected. When the verses of Rahmān (the All-Merciful) were recited before them, they used to fall down in prostration, weeping.”
This verse establishes that these prophets came from the lineage of Adam (peace be upon him), and specifically mentions those who were descendants of Nuh (peace be upon him), Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and Ya'qub (Israel, peace be upon him). It is noteworthy that after Ibrahim (peace be upon him), nearly all prophets came from his progeny, either through Isma'il or through Ishaq and Ya'qub (peace be upon them all). The only exceptions to this were those few prophets who were not from his lineage.
This verse also highlights that all divine books that we know of—the four major scriptures—were revealed to prophets from Ibrahim's lineage. Ibrahim himself received scriptures, and remnants of his teachings were preserved in Makkah until the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
What is most remarkable about these prophets is their deep emotional response to Allah's revelation. When the verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them, they would fall in prostration, weeping in humility and awe. This emotional and physical response demonstrates their profound connection to Allah's words and their humility before their Creator.
This section establishes a spiritual lineage among Allah's prophets, showing that despite their different times, places, and specific missions, they were united in their devotion to Allah, their exemplary character, and their emotional response to divine revelation. The prophets represent the highest manifestation of faith and character, serving as models for all believers to aspire to.