Overview (Verses 23 - 26)

Lessons of History

The section speaking about the believers and unbelievers, the righteous and the wicked, and the fates of both groups is now complete. The sūrah then begins a new section that speaks briefly about Moses and the revelations God gave him to serve as guidance to the Children of Israel, just like the Qur’ān was given to Muhammad to provide guidance to those who believe in God. Both recipients of divine revelations share common principles and a common faith. Choosing those who were patient in adversity among Moses’ people to be leaders of their community carries strong implications for the believers, urging them to maintain their firm beliefs and to remain steadfast and patient in adversity. These are the qualities that make them leaders in this life and ensure that they will be established on earth. We certainly gave the Book to Moses, so be not in doubt about convergence with it. We made of it guidance for the Children of Israel, and We raised among them leaders who, so long as they remained steadfast and had sure faith in Our revelations, spread guidance in accordance with Our command. Your Lord is certainly the One who will decide between people on the Day of Resurrection with regard to all that on which they differ. (Verses 23-25) The clause, “so be not in doubt about convergence with it,” is an interpolation which means to assure the Prophet of the truth that has been given to him. It emphasizes that it is the same truth that Moses advocated as revealed in his book. The two prophets and the two books meet in their advocacy of this truth. This is the explanation I prefer for this clause. Some commentators, however, suggest, that the phrase ‘about convergence with it’ means ‘about meeting with him’, implying the meeting between Moses and Muhammad during the latter’s night journey and ascension to heaven. Indeed convergence on the basis of truth and a common faith is the more likely as it serves to reassure the Prophet so that he remains steadfast despite all the opposition and persecution he and his followers encounter. It is also in line with what is stated in the next verse: “We raised among them leaders who, so long as they remained steadfast and had sure faith in Our revelations, spread guidance in accordance with Our command.” (Verse 24) This implies that if the small group of believers living in Makkah at the time persevered and remained patient in adversity, like those leaders of the Israelites, they would be leaders in the Muslim community. It establishes the characteristics that qualify people to be leaders, namely, patience in adversity and unshakeable faith.

As for the subsequent divergence among the Children of Israel, this is left to God to determine: “Your Lord is certainly the One who will decide between people on the Day of Resurrection with regard to all that on which they differ.” (Verse 25)

Now the sūrah takes those who deny the divine message on a round that looks at the fates suffered by earlier communities who took a similar stance: “Do they not reflect on how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, in whose dwelling places they now walk about? In this there are signs indeed: will they not listen?” (Verse 26)

What happened to past communities clearly indicates the law God has set in operation with regard to those who deny His message. God’s law neither fails nor shows any favouritism. With regard to life, prosperity, weakness and ruin, human communities are subject to constant laws. The Qur’ān alerts us to such consistency and uses the fates of past communities and their ruins as telling reminders to all people so that they reflect and consider. They should be wary lest God’s punishment befalls them. Moreover, these past examples are shown as evidence of the permanent validity of God’s laws, so that people’s understanding and values are raised. No community or generation would then isolate itself within its own time or location, oblivious of the law that remains consistent throughout life. Still, many overlook the lessons until they face the same fate.

The remains of past communities tell a highly effective story that touches sensitive hearts and alert consciences. The Arabs who were the first to be addressed by the Qur’ān used to travel by the remains of the peoples of the `Ād and Thamūd, and they saw the ruins of the townships where Lot’s people lived. The sūrah wonders how these were available to them, and how they pass them by, without feeling the need to avoid a similar fate. It tells them what sort of action is needed to avoid God’s punishment: “In this there are signs indeed: will they not listen?” (Verse 26) It is indeed right that they should listen carefully to the histories of those communities through whose townships they pass, and that they should listen to the warnings before they are overwhelmed by a similar punishment.