Tafsir of Al-Jathiyah 45:16

"And We gave the Children of Israel the Book," which is the Torah—on the basis that the definite article denotes a specific covenant.

It is also permissible to consider it as generic, so as to include the Psalms and the Gospel. It does not invalidate this that the Psalms consisted of supplications and intimate conversations, or that the Gospel contained very few rulings and that most of the rulings of Jesus, peace be upon him, were derived from the Torah; for the bestowing of "the Book" in an absolute sense is a grace.

"And [We gave them] wisdom," meaning judgment and the resolving of matters among the people, for kingship resided among them—a view chosen by Abu Hayyan. Or, it means understanding of the religion; and it is said: The jurisprudence of rulings was not as vast for any prophet as it was for Moses, peace be upon him. Or, it means theoretical foundational knowledge and practical subsidiary knowledge.

"And [We gave them] prophethood," as prophets were numerous among them—peace be upon them—to an extent not seen among others.

"And We provided them with good things," meaning lawful delights; through this, the blessing is completed, such as the manna and the quail.

"And We preferred them over the worlds," as We gave them what We did not give others, such as the parting of the sea, the shading of the clouds, and the like. Thus, what is intended is their preference over the worlds in an absolute sense from some perspectives, not from all of them, nor in terms of rank and reward. Therefore, this does not contradict the preference of the nation of Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, over them from another perspective and in terms of rank and reward. It is also said that what is meant by "the worlds" is the world of their time.