Sabbaha lillaahi maa fissamaawaati wal ardi wa Huwal 'Azeezul Hakeem
Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory of Allah: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Lahoo mulkus samaawaati wal ardi yuhyee wa yumeetu wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shai'in Qadeer
To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: It is He Who gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Huwal Awwalu wal'Aakhiru waz Zaahiru wal Baatinu wa huwa bikulli shai'in Aleem
He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Huwal lazee khalaqas samaawaati wal arda fee sittati ayyaamin summas tawaa 'alal 'Arsh; ya'lamu maa yaliju filardi wa maa yakhruju minhaa wa maa yanzilu minas samaaa'i wa maa ya'ruju feeha wa Huwa ma'akum ayna maa kuntum; wallaahu bimaa ta'maloona Baseer
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and is moreover firmly established on the Throne [of Authority]. He knows what enters within the earth and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what mounts up to it. And He is with you wheresoever you may be. And Allah sees well all that you do.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Lahoo mulkus samaawaati wal ard; wa ilal laahi turja'ul umoor
To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: and all affairs are referred back to Allah.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Yoolijul laila fin nahaari wa yoolijun nahaara fil lail; wa Huwa 'Aleemum bizaatis sudoor
He merges Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; and He has full knowledge of the secrets of [all] hearts.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Aaaminoo billaahi wa Rasoolihee wa anfiqoo mimmaa ja'alakum mustakh lafeena feehi fallazeena aamanoo minkum wa anfaqoo lahum ajrun kabeer
Believe in Allah and His messenger, and spend [in charity] out of the [substance] whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend [in charity], for them is a great Reward.
Commentary of verses 57:1 to 57:7
The entire universe glorifies its Creator in a silent language. Everything within it testifies to the attributes of the Supreme Being. The Quran expresses the same truth in words.
When something comes into existence, it is a clear sign that it has been brought into being by Allah. When it perishes, this too declares its end by His will. The universe itself is a hymn of praise to Allah, whilst the Quran is the verbal recitation of that same reality.
Together, creation and revelation speak of the same message: the absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power of the One who controls all beginnings and endings.
Wa maa lakum laa tu'minoona billaahi war Rasoolu yad'ookum lituu'minoo bi Rabbikum wa qad akhaza meesaaqakum in kuntum mu'mineen
What cause have you why you should not believe in Allah?- and the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord, and has indeed taken your Covenant, if you are men of Faith.
Commentary of verses 57:8 to 57:10
When Islam first presents itself, it does so through clear reasoning alone. Only those with sharp insight and courage accept it at this early stage, willing to make sacrifices without visible reward. Later, when Islam becomes outwardly successful, its greatness becomes apparent to all, and people eagerly come forward to contribute.
Those who spend in the early days do so without worldly assurance. But those who support Islam after its triumph often see their contributions repaid manifestly in this life. Because the conditions and demands differ, so too does the spiritual rank of each group in the sight of Allah.
True worth is measured not by the quantity given, but by the courage and faith behind the giving.
Huwal lazee yunazzilu 'alaa 'abdiheee Aayaatim baiyinaatil liyukhrijakum minaz zulumaati ilan noor; wa innal laaha bikum la Ra'oofur Raheem
He is the One Who sends to His Servant Manifest Signs, that He may lead you from the depths of Darkness into the Light and indeed Allah is to you most kind and Merciful.
Commentary of verses 57:8 to 57:10
When Islam first presents itself, it does so through clear reasoning alone. Only those with sharp insight and courage accept it at this early stage, willing to make sacrifices without visible reward. Later, when Islam becomes outwardly successful, its greatness becomes apparent to all, and people eagerly come forward to contribute.
Those who spend in the early days do so without worldly assurance. But those who support Islam after its triumph often see their contributions repaid manifestly in this life. Because the conditions and demands differ, so too does the spiritual rank of each group in the sight of Allah.
True worth is measured not by the quantity given, but by the courage and faith behind the giving.
Wa maa lakum allaa tunfiqoo fee sabeelil laahi wa lillaahi meeraasus samaawaati wal-ard; laa yastawee minkum man anfaqa min qablil fat-hi wa qaatal; ulaaaika a'zamu darajatam minal lazeena anfaqoo mim ba'du wa qaataloo; wa kullanw wa'adallaahul husnaa; wallaahu bimaa ta'maloona Khabeer
And what cause have you why you should not spend in the cause of Allah?- For to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent [freely] and fought, before the Victory, [with those who did so later]. Those are higher in rank than those who spent [freely] and fought afterwards.
But to all has Allah promised a goodly [reward]. And Allah is well acquainted with all that you do.
Commentary of verses 57:8 to 57:10
When Islam first presents itself, it does so through clear reasoning alone. Only those with sharp insight and courage accept it at this early stage, willing to make sacrifices without visible reward. Later, when Islam becomes outwardly successful, its greatness becomes apparent to all, and people eagerly come forward to contribute.
Those who spend in the early days do so without worldly assurance. But those who support Islam after its triumph often see their contributions repaid manifestly in this life. Because the conditions and demands differ, so too does the spiritual rank of each group in the sight of Allah.
True worth is measured not by the quantity given, but by the courage and faith behind the giving.
man zal lazee yuqridul laaha qardan hasanan fa yudaa'ifahoo lahoo wa lahooo ajrun kareem
Who is he that will Loan to Allah a beautiful loan? for [Allah] will increase it manifold to his credit, and he will have [besides] a liberal Reward.
Commentary of verses 57:11 to 57:15
In the early days of Islam, accepting it meant facing great uncertainty. The truth was veiled in doubt, and supporting Islam felt like lending to someone with little hope of repayment. Promises of divine reward seemed distant, while worldly concerns felt immediate and real.
Only those with deep insight and strong resolve could look beyond appearances and commit themselves. Sacrificing wealth and security at that time required exceptional clarity of heart and mind.
On the Day of Judgement, this same insight will guide them through its trials. The spiritual vision that enabled them to see truth amidst confusion in this world will, by Allah's grace, illuminate their path in the Hereafter.
Yawma taral mu'mineena walmu'minaati yas'aa nooruhum baina aydeehim wa biaymaanihim bushraakumul yawma jannaatun tajree min tahtihal anhaaru khaalideena feeha; zaalika huwal fawzul 'azeem
One Day shall you see the believing men and the believing women- how their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands: [their greeting will be]: "Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! to dwell therein for aye! This is indeed the highest Achievement!"
Commentary of verses 57:11 to 57:15
In the early days of Islam, accepting it meant facing great uncertainty. The truth was veiled in doubt, and supporting Islam felt like lending to someone with little hope of repayment. Promises of divine reward seemed distant, while worldly concerns felt immediate and real.
Only those with deep insight and strong resolve could look beyond appearances and commit themselves. Sacrificing wealth and security at that time required exceptional clarity of heart and mind.
On the Day of Judgement, this same insight will guide them through its trials. The spiritual vision that enabled them to see truth amidst confusion in this world will, by Allah's grace, illuminate their path in the Hereafter.
Yawma yaqoolul munaa fiqoona walmunaafiqaatu lillazeena aamanun zuroonaa naqtabis min noorikum qeelarji'oo waraaa'akum faltamisoo nooran faduriba bainahum bisooril lahoo baab, baatinuhoo feehir rahmatu wa zaahiruhoo min qibalihi-'azaab
One Day will the Hypocrites- men and women - say to the Believers: "Wait for us! Let us borrow [a Light] from your Light!" It will be said: "Turn you back to your rear! then seek a Light [where you can]!" So a wall will be put up betwixt them, with a gate therein.
Within it will be Mercy throughout, and without it, all alongside, will be [Wrath and] Punishment!
Commentary of verses 57:11 to 57:15
In the early days of Islam, accepting it meant facing great uncertainty. The truth was veiled in doubt, and supporting Islam felt like lending to someone with little hope of repayment. Promises of divine reward seemed distant, while worldly concerns felt immediate and real.
Only those with deep insight and strong resolve could look beyond appearances and commit themselves. Sacrificing wealth and security at that time required exceptional clarity of heart and mind.
On the Day of Judgement, this same insight will guide them through its trials. The spiritual vision that enabled them to see truth amidst confusion in this world will, by Allah's grace, illuminate their path in the Hereafter.
Yunaadoonahum alam nakum ma'akum qaaloo balaa wa laakinnakum fatantum anfusakum wa tarabbastum wartabtum wa gharratkumul amaaniyyu hatta jaaa'a amrul laahi wa gharrakum billaahil gharoor
[Those without] will call out, "Were we not with you?" [The others] will reply, "True! but you led yourselves into temptation; you looked forward [to our ruin]; you doubted (Allah's Promise); and [your false] desires deceived you; until there issued the Command of Allah. And the Deceiver deceived you in respect of Allah.
Commentary of verses 57:11 to 57:15
In the early days of Islam, accepting it meant facing great uncertainty. The truth was veiled in doubt, and supporting Islam felt like lending to someone with little hope of repayment. Promises of divine reward seemed distant, while worldly concerns felt immediate and real.
Only those with deep insight and strong resolve could look beyond appearances and commit themselves. Sacrificing wealth and security at that time required exceptional clarity of heart and mind.
On the Day of Judgement, this same insight will guide them through its trials. The spiritual vision that enabled them to see truth amidst confusion in this world will, by Allah's grace, illuminate their path in the Hereafter.
Fal Yawma laa yu'khazu minkum fidyatunw wa laa minal lazeena kafaroo; maawaakumun Naaru hiya maw laakum wa bi'sal maseer
"This Day shall no ransom be accepted of you, nor of those who rejected Allah." Your abode is the Fire: that is the proper place to claim you: and an evil refuge it is!"
Commentary of verses 57:11 to 57:15
In the early days of Islam, accepting it meant facing great uncertainty. The truth was veiled in doubt, and supporting Islam felt like lending to someone with little hope of repayment. Promises of divine reward seemed distant, while worldly concerns felt immediate and real.
Only those with deep insight and strong resolve could look beyond appearances and commit themselves. Sacrificing wealth and security at that time required exceptional clarity of heart and mind.
On the Day of Judgement, this same insight will guide them through its trials. The spiritual vision that enabled them to see truth amidst confusion in this world will, by Allah's grace, illuminate their path in the Hereafter.
Alam yaani laillzeena aamanooo an takhsha'a quloo buhum lizikril laahi wa maa nazala minal haqqi wa laa yakoonoo kallazeena ootul Kitaaba min qablu fataala 'alaihimul amadu faqasat quloobuhum wa kaseerum minhum faasiqoon
Has not the Time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed [to them], and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.
Commentary of verses 57:16 to 57:17
When these verses were revealed, Islam had not yet become a major force, but it carried the full weight of clear reasoning and divine warning. Anyone who remained unmoved by such arguments or unshaken by such warnings displayed a profound lack of awareness.
Just as barren earth springs to life when touched by rain, the human heart should awaken when it encounters truth. To remain spiritually lifeless in the presence of clarity is deeply troubling. It suggests a hardening of the heart and a wilful neglect of the signs placed before us.
Know you [all] that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! already have We shown the Signs plainly to you, that you may learn wisdom.
Commentary of verses 57:16 to 57:17
When these verses were revealed, Islam had not yet become a major force, but it carried the full weight of clear reasoning and divine warning. Anyone who remained unmoved by such arguments or unshaken by such warnings displayed a profound lack of awareness.
Just as barren earth springs to life when touched by rain, the human heart should awaken when it encounters truth. To remain spiritually lifeless in the presence of clarity is deeply troubling. It suggests a hardening of the heart and a wilful neglect of the signs placed before us.
Innal mussaddiqeena wal mussaddiqaati wa aqradul laaha qardan hassanany yudaa'afu lahum wa lahum ajrun kareem
For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold [to their credit], and they shall have [besides] a liberal reward.
Commentary of verses 57:18 to 57:19
Giving generously and supporting the cause of faith are acts of profound spiritual significance. Whether men or women, those who spend in this way demonstrate unwavering conviction. In an environment filled with doubt, they were able to perceive the truth and act upon it.
Their sincerity will serve them well in the Hereafter. They will be granted light to guide them through its trials and will be counted among those who accepted Allah's signs. They will stand as witnesses on the Day of Judgement, testifying to the truth they upheld in this life.
Wallazeena aamanoo billaahi wa Rusuliheee ulaaa'ika humus siddeeqoona wash shuhadaaa'u 'inda Rabbihim lahum ajruhum wa nooruhum wallazeena kafaroo wa kazzaboo bi aayaatinaaa ulaaaika As haabul jaheem
And those who believe in Allah and His messengers- they are the Sincere [lovers of Truth], and the witnesses [who testify], in the eyes of their Lord: They shall have their Reward and their Light. But those who reject Allah and deny Our verses, they are the Companions of Hell-Fire.
Commentary of verses 57:18 to 57:19
Giving generously and supporting the cause of faith are acts of profound spiritual significance. Whether men or women, those who spend in this way demonstrate unwavering conviction. In an environment filled with doubt, they were able to perceive the truth and act upon it.
Their sincerity will serve them well in the Hereafter. They will be granted light to guide them through its trials and will be counted among those who accepted Allah's signs. They will stand as witnesses on the Day of Judgement, testifying to the truth they upheld in this life.
I'lamooo annamal hayaa tud dunyaa la'ibunw wa lahwunw wa zeenatunw wa takaasurun bainakum wa takaasurn fil amwaali wal awlaad, kamasali ghaisin a'jabal kuffaara nabaatuhoo summa yaheeju fataraahu musfaaran summa yakoonu hutaamaa; wa fil aakhirati 'azaabun shadeedunw wa magh firatum minal laahi wa ridwaan; wa mal haiyaa tuddun yaaa illaa mataa'ul ghuroor
Know you [all], that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, [in rivalry] among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a example: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight [the hearts of] the tillers; soon it withers; you will see it grow yellow;
then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a punishment severe [for the devotees of wrong]. And Forgiveness from Allah and [His] Good Pleasure [for the devotees of Allah]. And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception?
Commentary of verses 57:20 to 57:21
Allah has placed reminders of the Hereafter within this world. One powerful example is the life cycle of a crop. After rain, the field becomes lush and green, beautiful to behold. But soon the plants wither under the heat, are harvested, and disappear.
The attractions of this world follow the same pattern. Their beauty is fleeting. People become captivated, mistaking temporary pleasures for something permanent. But when they return to Allah, the worthlessness of worldly glamour will be laid bare. What once seemed so valuable will be revealed as fleeting and insignificant.
Saabiqooo ilaa maghfiratim mir Rabbikum wa jannatin 'arduhaa ka-'ardis samaaa'i wal ardi u'iddat lillazeena aamanoo billaahi wa Rusulih; zaalika fadlul laahi yu'teehi many yashaaa'; wal laahu zul fadlil 'azeem
Be you foremost [in seeking] Forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden [of Bliss], the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers: that is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom he pleases: and Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.
Commentary of verses 57:20 to 57:21
Allah has placed reminders of the Hereafter within this world. One powerful example is the life cycle of a crop. After rain, the field becomes lush and green, beautiful to behold. But soon the plants wither under the heat, are harvested, and disappear.
The attractions of this world follow the same pattern. Their beauty is fleeting. People become captivated, mistaking temporary pleasures for something permanent. But when they return to Allah, the worthlessness of worldly glamour will be laid bare. What once seemed so valuable will be revealed as fleeting and insignificant.
Maaa asaaba mim musee batin fil ardi wa laa feee anfusikum illaa fee kitaabim min qabli an nabra ahaa; innaa zaalika 'alal laahi yaseer
No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for Allah:
Commentary of verses 57:22 to 57:24
Worldly gains and losses are not random events but carefully designed tests from Allah. What happens to us has already been written, and our true measure lies not in what we receive or lose, but in how we respond. A believer's duty is to remain balanced: when hardship strikes, they must not despair or lose hope; when success arrives, they must avoid arrogance and complacency. Both prosperity and difficulty are trials meant to reveal the quality of our faith and character. True spiritual maturity is displayed through patience in adversity and gratitude in ease.
Likailaa taasaw 'alaa maa faatakum wa laa tafrahoo bimaaa aataakum; wallaahu laa yuhibbu kulla mukhtaalin fakhoor
In order that you may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favours bestowed upon you. For Allah loves not any vainglorious boaster,
Commentary of verses 57:22 to 57:24
Worldly gains and losses are not random events but carefully designed tests from Allah. What happens to us has already been written, and our true measure lies not in what we receive or lose, but in how we respond. A believer's duty is to remain balanced: when hardship strikes, they must not despair or lose hope; when success arrives, they must avoid arrogance and complacency. Both prosperity and difficulty are trials meant to reveal the quality of our faith and character. True spiritual maturity is displayed through patience in adversity and gratitude in ease.
Allazeeena yabkhaloona wa yaamuroonan naasa bil bukhl; wa many yatawalla fa innal laaha Huwal Ghaniyyul Hameed
Such persons as are covetous and commend covetousness to men. And if any turn back (from Allah's Way), indeed Allah is Free of all Needs, Worthy of all Praise.
Commentary of verses 57:22 to 57:24
Worldly gains and losses are not random events but carefully designed tests from Allah. What happens to us has already been written, and our true measure lies not in what we receive or lose, but in how we respond. A believer's duty is to remain balanced: when hardship strikes, they must not despair or lose hope; when success arrives, they must avoid arrogance and complacency. Both prosperity and difficulty are trials meant to reveal the quality of our faith and character. True spiritual maturity is displayed through patience in adversity and gratitude in ease.
Laqad arsalnaa Rusulanaa bilbaiyinaati wa anzalnaa ma'ahumul Kitaaba wal Meezaana liyaqooman naasu bilqist, wa anzalnal hadeeda feehi baasun shadeedunw wa manaafi'u linnaasi wa liya'lamal laahu many yansuruhoo wa Rusulahoo bilghaib; innal laaha Qawiyyn 'Azeez
We sent aforetime our messengers with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance [of Right and Wrong], that men may stand forth in justice;
and We sent down Iron, in which is [material for] mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His messengers: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might [and able to enforce His Will].
Commentary of verse 57:25
Throughout history, God's messengers have faced the same objection: if you truly represent the Almighty, why don't you possess worldly riches and power? People judge by material standards, expecting divine envoys to display earthly grandeur. They struggle to accept that God would choose an ordinary person to convey His message.
The true signs of prophethood lay in the messengers' words and conduct—their unwavering truthfulness and moral integrity. Yet those fixated on visible wealth and status missed these spiritual proofs entirely. Their materialistic mindset prevented them from recognising authentic divine guidance.
Over time, the Jews and Christians—once bearers of revealed scripture—reduced religion to ethnic identity. Belonging to their community became the sole measure of righteousness. This sectarian attitude blinded them to genuine faith when it appeared afresh. True religion can only be embraced by those who remain faithful to their innate human nature, not those who have replaced it with artificial dogmas.
Wa laqad arsalnaa Noohanw wa Ibraaheema wa ja'alnaa fee zurriyyatihiman nubuwwata wal Kitaaba faminhum muhtad; wa kaseerum minhum faasiqoon
And We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line Prophethood and Revelation: and some of them were on right guidance. But many of them became rebellious transgressors.
Commentary of verses 57:26 to 57:27
All prophets delivered the same essential message from God, yet later generations often distorted these teachings through innovation. The followers of Jesus provide a clear example. His mission centred on preaching and spreading compassion, not warfare or political struggle. He taught love and mercy, urging kindness towards others. However, his followers misunderstood this gentle emphasis. Instead of simply avoiding worldly distractions while fulfilling their duties, they swung to the opposite extreme, embracing monasticism and total renunciation. This was never the intended path. The prophetic call was for balance, not withdrawal from life.
Summa qaffainaa 'alaa aasaarihim bi Rusulinaa wa qaffainaa be 'Eesab ni Maryama wa aatainaahul Injeela wa ja'alnaa fee quloobil lazeenat taba' oohu raafatanw wa rahmatanw wa rahbaaniyyatanib tada' oohaa maa katanaahaa 'alaihim illab tighaaa'a ridwaanil laahi famaa ra'awhaa haqqa ri'aayatihaa fa aatainal lazeena aamanoo minhum ajrahum wa kaseerum minhum faasiqoon
Then, in their wake, We followed them up with [others of] Our messengers: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy.
But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: [We commanded] only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah; but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their [due] reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
Commentary of verses 57:26 to 57:27
All prophets delivered the same essential message from God, yet later generations often distorted these teachings through innovation. The followers of Jesus provide a clear example. His mission centred on preaching and spreading compassion, not warfare or political struggle. He taught love and mercy, urging kindness towards others. However, his followers misunderstood this gentle emphasis. Instead of simply avoiding worldly distractions while fulfilling their duties, they swung to the opposite extreme, embracing monasticism and total renunciation. This was never the intended path. The prophetic call was for balance, not withdrawal from life.
Yaaa ayyuhal lazeena aamaanut taqullaaha wa aaminoo bi Rasoolihee yu'tikum kiflaini mir rahmatihee wa yaj'al lakum nooran tamshoona bihee wa yaghfir lakum; wallaahu Ghafoorur Raheem
O you that believe! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by which you shall walk [straight in your path], and He will forgive you [your past]: for Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Commentary of verses 57:28 to 57:29
God chose the Children of Israel for a sacred mission: to call all nations to acknowledge their Creator and their accountability before Him. He sent them countless prophets—Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and many others—to guide them in this task. Yet over time, they mistook their privileged responsibility for inherent ethnic superiority, losing their right to represent divine truth on earth.
The arrival of the Arab Prophet marked the transfer of this duty to the Children of Ishmael. Those among the Israelites who were truly pious recognised that Muhammad's message came from the same divine source as earlier prophets. Those who rejected him did so purely from prejudice, unable to accept that another nation could receive God's favour.
They were warned that in the Hereafter, only sincere faith and righteous deeds will matter. Unlike this world—where intercession, compensation, or help from others may assist us—the next world will be governed by God's perfect justice alone. No ethnic group holds special privilege there. Even Abraham attained leadership only after enduring severe trials and demonstrating complete willingness to sacrifice everything for God. The same principle applies to every generation: only those who prove their worth through unwavering dedication will share in God's covenant.
Li'alla ya'lama Ahlul kitaabi allaa yaqdiroona 'alaa shai'im min fadlil laahi wa annal fadla bi Yadil laahi u'teehi many yashaaa'; wallaahu Zul fadilil 'azeem
That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the Grace of Allah, that [His] Grace is [entirely] in His Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.
Commentary of verses 57:28 to 57:29
God chose the Children of Israel for a sacred mission: to call all nations to acknowledge their Creator and their accountability before Him. He sent them countless prophets—Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and many others—to guide them in this task. Yet over time, they mistook their privileged responsibility for inherent ethnic superiority, losing their right to represent divine truth on earth.
The arrival of the Arab Prophet marked the transfer of this duty to the Children of Ishmael. Those among the Israelites who were truly pious recognised that Muhammad's message came from the same divine source as earlier prophets. Those who rejected him did so purely from prejudice, unable to accept that another nation could receive God's favour.
They were warned that in the Hereafter, only sincere faith and righteous deeds will matter. Unlike this world—where intercession, compensation, or help from others may assist us—the next world will be governed by God's perfect justice alone. No ethnic group holds special privilege there. Even Abraham attained leadership only after enduring severe trials and demonstrating complete willingness to sacrifice everything for God. The same principle applies to every generation: only those who prove their worth through unwavering dedication will share in God's covenant.