Juz 20: An-Naml 56 to Al-ʿAnkabūt 45
Section 16 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Stories of Prophets and Their Trials
The Qur'an recounts the stories of various prophets to illustrate the universal nature of trials faced by believers throughout history. These narratives provide comfort to the faithful by showing that even Allah's chosen messengers endured severe tests, yet remained steadfast.
The story of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) exemplifies extraordinary perseverance in the face of prolonged rejection:
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فَلَبِثَ فِيهِمْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ إِلَّا خَمْسِينَ عَامًا فَأَخَذَهُمُ الطُّوفَانُ وَهُمْ ظَالِمُونَ
“We sent Nūḥ to his people, and he remained among them for one thousand years, less fifty years. Then the Flood seized them, as they were wrongdoers." (29:14)”
Rather than stating "950 years," Allah (swt) says "a thousand years minus fifty" to emphasize the extraordinary length of time. For nearly a millennium, Nuh (peace be upon him) called his people to faith while enduring their mockery and rejection. This extended period of testing illustrates the prophet's remarkable patience and dedication to his mission.
Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) trial is highlighted next, with particular emphasis on his confrontation with his people:
وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاتَّقُوهُ ۖ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“And (We sent) Ibrahim when he said to his people, 'Worship Allah and fear Him. That is better for you if you know.'" (29:16)”
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) faced fierce opposition for his uncompromising monotheism. When logical arguments and persuasion failed, his people resorted to violence:
فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا اقْتُلُوهُ أَوْ حَرِّقُوهُ
“So, the response of his people was none but that they said, 'Kill him or burn him.'" (29:24)”
The disbelievers had no rational counter-argument to Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) call to monotheism. Their only response was violence – to kill him or burn him alive. They chose the latter, throwing him into a massive fire. Yet Allah (swt) intervened miraculously:
فَأَنجَاهُ اللَّهُ مِنَ النَّارِ
“So, Allah saved him from the fire." (29:24)”
This dramatic salvation demonstrated Allah's power to protect His servants even in seemingly impossible circumstances.