Taking a Pledge From the Prophets to Believe in Our Prophet, Muhammad
Allah states that He took a pledge from every Prophet whom He sent from Adam until `Isa, that when Allah gives them the Book and the Hikmah, thus acquiring whatever high grades they deserve, then a Messenger came afterwards, they would believe in and support him.
Even though Allah has given the Prophets the knowledge and the Prophethood, this fact should not make them refrain from following and supporting the Prophet who comes after them. This is why Allah, the Most High, Most Honored, said,
وإذ أخذ الله ميثاق النبيين لما آتيتكم من كتاب وحكمة
And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah.''
meaning, if I give you the Book and the Hikmah,
ثم جاءكم رسول مصدق لما معكم لتومنن به ولتنصرنه قال أأقررتم وأخذتم على ذلكم إصري
"and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.''
Allah said, "Do you agree (to it) and will you take up Isri!''
Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Ar-Rabi, Qatadah and As-Suddi said that;
`Isri' means, "My covenant.''
Muhammad bin Ishaq said that,
إصري
(Isri) means,
"The responsibility of My covenant that you took,''
meaning, the ratified pledge that you gave Me.
قالوا أقررنا قال فاشهدوا وأنا معكم من الشاهدين
They said: "We agree.''
He said: "Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses.''
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