Juz 25: Fuṣṣilat 47 to Al-Jāthiyah
Section 4 of 20 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
4. Core Message of All Prophets
One of the most significant themes in Surah Ash-Shura is the continuity and universality of the core message brought by all prophets. This is emphasized particularly in the middle section of the surah, where Allah declares:
شَرَعَ لَكُمْ مِّنَ الدِّيْنِ مَا وَصّٰى بِهٖ نُوْحًا وَّالَّذِيْٓ اَوْحَيْنَآ اِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهٖٓ اِبْرٰهِيْمَ وَمُوْسٰى وَعِيْسٰٓى اَنْ اَقِيْمُوا الدِّيْنَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوْا فِيْهِ
“He has ordained for you the same way of faith which He enjoined upon Nūḥ, and which We have revealed to you, and which We had enjoined upon Ibrāhīm and Mūsā and 'Īsā by saying, 'Establish the faith, and do not be divided therein.'" (Ash-Shura 42:13)”
This verse establishes a profound truth: the essential message of all prophets - from Nuh to Ibrahim to Musa to Isa to Muhammad (peace be upon them all) - has been the same. The core elements of faith that Allah ordained have remained consistent throughout revelation history. This consistency refutes the notion that Islam is a new religion; rather, it is the eternal way of submission to Allah that all prophets taught.
The command "establish the faith, and do not be divided therein" emphasizes the importance of unity in divine faith. Despite differences in specific laws and practices (sharī'ah) that varied according to different times and societies, the fundamental message of monotheism, moral uprightness, and accountability in the Hereafter has remained unchanged.
This continuity is critical to understanding Islam's relationship with previous revelations. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not bring a new message but rather confirmed and completed what came before him. This is why Muslims respect and acknowledge all previous prophets as part of a single chain of divine guidance.
In verse 15, Allah provides guidance to the Prophet (peace be upon him) on how to respond to those who dispute this message:
فَلِذٰلِكَ فَادْعُ وَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَآ اُمِرْتَ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ اَهْوَآءَهُمْ وَقُلْ اٰمَنْتُ بِمَآ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ مِنْ كِتٰبٍ وَاُمِرْتُ لِاَعْدِلَ بَيْنَكُمُ
“So, (O Prophet,) call (people to the same faith), and be steadfast as you are commanded, and do not follow their desires, and say, 'I believe in whatever book Allah has sent down. And I have been ordered to do justice among you.'" (Ash-Shura 42:15)”
The response prescribed here is remarkable for its inclusivity and justice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is instructed to:
1. Invite to the pure faith
2. Remain steadfast in following what Allah has commanded
3. Avoid following others' desires and whims
4. Affirm belief in all divinely revealed books
5. Deal justly with all people
This approach exemplifies the balance in Islamic da'wah (invitation to faith). It maintains principles without compromise while showing respect for what is authentic in previous revelations, and it emphas