Surah Al-Anbiyaa (21) — Ayah 48

(Ayah 48) ➊ From the beginning of { وَ لَقَدْ اٰتَيْنَا مُوْسٰى وَ هٰرُوْنَ …:} Surah, the discussion has been about Tawheed, Prophethood, and the Hereafter. Now, the narration of the events of several prophets begins. The purpose is to console the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that, like these prophets, you should also continue to fulfill the duty of invitation with full dedication and, in every difficulty that comes in this path, act with patience and steadfastness. In addition, there is a detailed explanation that all previous prophets were human beings. In this context, the mention of Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) comes first. In the Noble Qur’an, the mention of Musa (peace be upon him) and the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him), and their books, often comes together, because the series of Jihad along with invitation begins with Musa (peace be upon him), and there is great similarity between the two in the matter of invitation.

➋ The meaning of {الْفُرْقَانَ وَ ضِيَآءً وَّ ذِكْرًا لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ : ’’ الْفُرْقَانَ ‘‘} and {’’ اَلْفَرْقُ ‘‘} is the same; due to the addition of Alif and Noon, there is an intensification in the meaning, that is, something that greatly distinguishes between truth and falsehood. By this is meant the Torah as well, the miracles that distinguish between miracles and magic, and the victory and help granted to Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) and the Children of Israel over the Pharaoh’s people, just as Allah Almighty has declared the Day of Badr as the Day of Criterion. Thus, {’’ الْفُرْقَانَ ‘‘} can be a quality of the Book, the miracles, and the divine help, because all three are things that distinguish between truth and falsehood. Similarly, {’’ ضِيَآءً ‘‘} and {’’ ذِكْرًا لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ ‘‘} are also qualities of all three, because the Torah, the miracles, and the divine help are all things that distinguish between truth and falsehood, are a light of faith, and are an admonition. However, the distinction between truth and falsehood, the light of faith, and admonition through witnessing the Book, miracles, and divine help is only attained by the one who is God-fearing. For details, see the commentary of Surah Al-Baqarah, verse (2).

48. 1. These are the attributes of the Torah which was given to Musa (peace be upon him). In it also, there was admonition only for the muttaqin. Just as the Noble Quran is also called (ھُدَی لِّلْمُتَّقِیْنَ), because those whose hearts do not have the taqwa of Allah, they do not pay attention to the Book of Allah, so how can a heavenly book become a source of admonition and guidance for them? For admonition or guidance, it is necessary that attention be paid to it and it be pondered upon.

And indeed, We gave Musa and Haroon the Book (the Torah), which was a criterion (between right and wrong), and a light and reminder [43] for the righteous.

[43]
The Attributes of the Torah:

That is, this chain of guidance and warning is not limited to the Quraysh of Makkah alone; We have been sending messengers and Our books to previous nations as well. Among these books, foremost is the Torah, which We granted to Musa ؑ. It was a book that distinguished between truth and falsehood. It clarified the reality of their mutual differences and pointed out the correct path. In its light, the straight path became clearly visible. Moreover, it was a reminder for the children of Adam of the forgotten lesson. And it contained abundant lessons of admonition and advice.