Surah Al-Baqarah — Verse 253

Key Words and Phrases:

• "Those Messengers" (Tilka ar-Rusul): Refers to the noble prophets mentioned earlier in the Surah.
• "We preferred some of them over others" (Faddalna ba'dahum 'ala ba'd): Allah gave some prophets higher ranks and specific distinctions.
• "To whom Allah spoke" (Man kallam Allah): Refers to Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, who was honored with direct speech from Allah.
• "Raised some of them in degrees" (Rafa'a ba'dahum darajat): Refers to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who was elevated to the highest rank of prophethood.
• "Clear proofs" (Al-Bayyinat): The evident miracles and signs given to Prophet 'Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him.
• "The Holy Spirit" (Ruh al-Qudus): The Angel Jibril (Gabriel), peace be upon him, who supported and strengthened Prophet 'Isa.
• "Would not have fought" (Maqtatala): The conflict and fighting that occurred among the followers of the prophets after them.

The Interpretation:

In this profound verse, Allah, the Most High, speaks about His honored Messengers, peace be upon them all. He informs us that He has favored some of them over others, granting each a unique station and mission according to His infinite wisdom. Among them was Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, who was blessed with the honor of Allah speaking to him directly—a distinction that elevates his rank and demonstrates Allah's closeness to His chosen servants. And among them was Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, whom Allah raised to the highest degrees of all, for he was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, the seal of the prophets, and his nation is the best nation ever brought forth for mankind.

Allah also mentions Prophet 'Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam, peace be upon him, who was given clear proofs and mighty miracles that dazzled the minds: he healed the blind and the leper by Allah's permission, and even brought the dead back to life by Allah's command. These were not his own powers, but clear signs from Allah to affirm his truthfulness. Furthermore, Allah strengthened him with the Holy Spirit—the Angel Jibril—who accompanied and supported him in his mission.

Then Allah reveals a profound truth about human nature and divine will: had Allah willed that the people who came after these Messengers would not fight and shed blood after receiving such clear signs, they would not have fought. But they differed among themselves—some remained firm in their faith, while others turned to disbelief and rejection. Their differing led to conflict and warfare. Yet, even this was not outside Allah's will. Had He willed that they would not fight, they would not have fought. But Allah does whatever He wills—He grants success and guidance to whom He wills out of His grace and mercy, and He leaves to stray whom He wills out of His perfect justice and wisdom.

This verse carries a profound lesson for every believer: the diversity among prophets and their ranks is a sign of Allah's wisdom, not a reason for division. The followers of truth should unite upon what the prophets brought, rather than fight over differences. It also teaches us to submit completely to Allah's will and decree, for He is the All-Wise, the All-Knowing, and He does whatever He intends with perfect justice and mercy.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, reflect upon the greatness of these Messengers and the signs Allah granted them. Yet, despite all these miracles, people still differed and fought. This shows us that the heart's guidance is in Allah's Hands alone. So, turn to Allah with a sincere heart, seek His guidance, and hold firmly to the rope of Allah—the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of His final Messenger, Muhammad, peace be upon him. For he is the greatest of the Messengers, and his message is for all of humanity until the end of time. Embrace this message, live by it, and invite others to it with wisdom and beautiful preaching. Indeed, in following him lies the success of this world and the Hereafter.