Surah Al-Anbya, Ayah 48 (21:48)
ٱلْأَنْبِيَاء
Quran 21:48 is ayah 48 of Surah Al-Anbya (“The Prophets”), a Meccan surah of 112 ayahs. It is in Juz 17, on page 326 of the Madani Mushaf.
And We had already given Moses and Aaron the criterion and a light and a reminder for the righteous(48)
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This commentary explains ayahs 21:48–50 together.
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