Surah al-Anbiya' (The Prophets ) 21 : 112

Explanatory Note

Having discharged his trust, delivered his message, made his declaration in all fairness and warned people against forthcoming trials, the Prophet makes an appeal to his Lord. He requests God, the Most Merciful, to judge in fairness and in truth between him and those who ridicule his message. He seeks His help against their scheming, accusations and rejection, for help may be sought only from God: “Say: My Lord, judge You in truth!’ and [say]: ‘Our Lord is the Most Merciful whose help is ever to be sought against all that you claim.’” The emphasis placed here on God’s abundant grace is significant. It is God, the Most Gracious and Merciful, who sent His Messenger and made this an act of His mercy. But he was met with rejection and ridicule by hardened unbelievers. It is He who can bestow His grace on His Messenger and give him support against their blasphemies. Thus the sūrah ends on a powerful note, just as it opened with a powerful statement. The beginning and ending thus provide a profound and effective address.