Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 59

Word Meanings:

• "Orathnaha" (وَأَوْرَثْنَاهَا): We made them inherit it — meaning We transferred ownership and possession of these lands, wealth, and properties to them after the destruction of the previous owners.
• "Bani Isra'il" (بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ): The Children of Israel — the descendants of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob), peace be upon him, who were the followers of Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him.

Tafsir (Explanation):

After describing how Allah expelled Pharaoh and his people from their gardens, springs, treasures, and magnificent dwellings — all the splendor of Egypt that they took such pride in — Allah says: "Thus it was" — just as We have told you of their expulsion and destruction, "And We made the Children of Israel inherit it."

This means that after Pharaoh and his army were drowned in the sea, Allah returned the Children of Israel to Egypt and granted them the very lands, homes, wealth, and treasures that Pharaoh and his people had left behind. They became the rightful inheritors of all that the tyrant had accumulated through oppression and injustice. Some scholars also mention that this inheritance extended to the blessed lands of Sham (Greater Syria), which Allah had promised them.

This verse carries a profound lesson: the wealth and power of tyrants are never permanent. What they hoard through arrogance and transgression eventually becomes the share of the righteous servants of Allah. When Pharaoh boasted, "I am your lord, the most high," and oppressed the Children of Israel, Allah turned the tables completely. The very treasures that Pharaoh thought would secure his power became the inheritance of the very people he had enslaved and persecuted.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, reflect on this magnificent divine justice! The same Egypt that witnessed the cries of the oppressed Children of Israel became their home and their inheritance. Allah does not forget the patience of His righteous servants, nor does He overlook the arrogance of tyrants. This is a timeless promise: whoever places their trust in Allah and remains patient upon His path, Allah will grant them victory and make them inheritors of the earth, just as He did for the Children of Israel after centuries of hardship.

This should fill every believer's heart with hope and certainty. No matter how powerful oppressors may seem, no matter how long the night of trials extends, the dawn of divine relief is certain. The Qur'an reminds us: *"And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors"* (Al-Qasas: 5). So hold firm to your faith, be patient in adversity, and trust in Allah's promise — for He never breaks His word, and His inheritance is reserved for the righteous among His servants.