Surah Al-Anbiya Ayat 48 (21:48 Quran) With Tafsir

Ala-Maududi

(21:48) Surely^[49] We had granted to Moses and Aaron the Criterion^[50] (between right and wrong), and Light and Admonition for the good of the God-fearing,^[51]

49. From here begin the stories of the Prophets. If we consider these stories in the context in which they occur, it becomes clear that these have been related to impress the following themes.

(1) All the former Prophets were human beings. Therefore there is nothing strange or unusual that a human being like Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been sent as a Messenger.

(2) The mission and teachings of this Prophet are the same as of those who were sent before him.

(3) All the Prophets had been granted a privileged position by Allah, Who blessed them with special favors. For instance, though they were made to suffer from hardships and persecutions for years, ultimately Allah heard their prayers and helped them in miraculous ways against their enemies and persecutors.

(4) In spite of Allah’s special favors on them they were no more than His humble servants and human beings and had no share whatever in Godhead. So much so that sometimes they committed errors of judgment, fell ill, were put to trials and even committed faults, for which they were called to account by Allah.

50. All the three words have been used in praise of the Torah: (1) Alfurqan: A criterion which distinguished the truth from falsehood. (2) Dhiaun: A light which showed the right way of life. (3) Zikrun: An admonition, which reminded the erring descendants of Adam to remember the lesson they had forgotten.

51. Though it was sent for the good of all human beings, only the pious people, having these characteristics, could benefit from it.

Ibn-Kathir

48. And indeed We granted to Musa and Harun the criterion, and a shining light and a Reminder for those who have Taqwa. 49. Those who fear their Lord in the unseen, and they are afraid of the Hour. 50. And this is a blessed Reminder which We have sent down; will you then deny it

We have already noted that Allah often mentions Musa and Muhammad together — may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them both — and He often mentions their Books together as well. He says:

(And indeed We granted to Musa and Harun the criterion) Mujahid said, “This means the Scripture.” Abu Salih said: “The Tawrah.” Qatadah said: “The Tawrah, what it permits and it forbids, and how Allah differentiated between truth and falsehood.” In conclusion, we may say that the heavenly Books included the distinction between truth and falsehood, guidance and misguidance, transgression and the right way, lawful and unlawful, and that which will fill the heart with light, guidance, fear of Allah and repentance. So Allah says:

(the criterion, and a shining light and a Reminder for those who have Taqwa.) meaning, a reminder and exhortation for them. Then He describes them as:

(Those who fear their Lord in the unseen.) This is like the Ayah:

(Who feared the Most Gracious in the unseen and came with a repenting heart. ) ﴿50:33﴾

(Verily, those who fear their Lord unseen, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward.) ﴿67:12﴾ t

(and they are afraid of the Hour.) means, they fear it. Then Allah says:

(And this is a blessed Reminder which We have sent down;) means, the Magnificent Qur’an, which falsehood cannot approach, from before it or behind it, revealed by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise.

(will you then deny it) means, will you deny it when it is the utmost in clarity and truth