Juz 21: Al-ʿAnkabūt 46 to Al-Aḥzāb 30
Section 14 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
Prophet Musa and Lessons for Muhammad ﷺ
The concluding portion of Surah As-Sajdah shifts from the general discussion of believers and disbelievers to a specific historical example—Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). This reference serves multiple purposes: it connects Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the lineage of previous prophets, provides reassurance through historical precedent, and emphasizes the continuity of divine guidance.
Allah begins by mentioning the revelation given to Musa:
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ فَلَا تَكُن فِي مِرْيَةٍ مِّن لِّقَائِهِ وَجَعَلْنَاهُ هُدًى لِّبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ
“And We gave the Book to Musa. So be not in doubt about receiving it, and We made it a guidance for the children of Israel.”
This verse addresses Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), assuring him that just as Musa received divine revelation, he too is receiving authentic revelation. The phrase "be not in doubt about receiving it" serves as confirmation that Muhammad's experience of revelation follows the established pattern of previous prophets.
The Torah given to Musa became a source of guidance for the Children of Israel, just as the Quran is guidance for Muhammad's community. This parallel establishes a spiritual continuity between the two prophets and their respective revelations.
Verse 24 continues:
وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ
“And We appointed from among them leaders who guided by Our command, when they observed patience, and had firm belief in Our verses.”
This verse highlights an important principle in divine leadership: Allah raises leaders from among those who demonstrate patience (sabr) and certainty (yaqīn) in their faith. The Children of Israel had leaders who guided their community according to Allah's commands when they remained steadfast through trials and maintained unwavering conviction in the divine signs.
This principle applies equally to the Prophet Muhammad's community, offering hope that through patience and certainty, Allah would raise leaders who would guide the Muslim ummah according to His commands.
The surah then mentions that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will decide between people concerning matters they used to dispute about. This serves as a reminder that the ultimate judgment rests with Allah, not with human beings.
The final verses return to the theme of reflection and warning:
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا نَسُوقُ الْمَاءَ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ الْجُرُزِ فَنُخْرِجُ بِهِ زَرْعًا تَأْكُلُ مِنْهُ أَنْعَامُهُمْ وَأَنفُسُهُمْ أَفَلَا يُبْصِرُونَ
“Have they not seen that We drive water to the barren land, then bring forth crops thereby from which their cattle and they themselves have food? So, do they not perceive?”
By pointing to the natural sign of Allah bringing life to barren land through rain, the surah urges reflection on Allah's power to resurrect the dead. Just as dead land can be revived with water, dead bodies will be revived on the Day of Resurrection.
The surah concludes with the disbelievers impatiently asking when the victory will come.