Surah As-Saffat: Verses (114 - 122)

And indeed, We conferred favor upon...

Know that this is the third story mentioned in this Surah. Know that although the favors bestowed [upon the Prophets] are numerous, they are confined to two types: conveying benefits to them and averting harm from them. Allah the Almighty mentioned both categories here.

His statement: {And indeed, We conferred favor upon Moses and Aaron} refers to the conveyance of benefits to them.

His statement: {And We saved them and their people from the great distress} refers to the averting of harm from them.

The benefits are undoubtedly of two kinds: worldly benefits and religious benefits.

1. Worldly Benefits: Existence, life, intellect, upbringing, health, and the attainment of perfect attributes in the essence of each of them.
2. Religious Benefits: Knowledge and obedience. The highest of these ranks is the lofty Prophethood, coupled with dazzling and overwhelming miracles. Since Allah the Almighty detailed these specifics in other Surahs, it was sufficient here to use this concise reference.

This is what is meant by His statement: {And We saved them and their people from the great distress}. There are two opinions concerning this distress:

1. It is said to be drowning (the Pharaoh and his people were drowned, and the Children of Israel were saved).
2. It is said to be torment/suffering, meaning Allah saved them from the persecution of Pharaoh, who used to slaughter their sons and keep their women alive.

Know that when Allah mentioned conferring favor upon Moses and Aaron, He then detailed the categories of that favor:

1. {And We aided them}: Meaning, We aided Moses, Aaron, and their people. {And they were the victorious} in all circumstances—by the manifestation of the proof, and ultimately by the turn of fortune and exaltation.
2. The second is His statement: {And We gave them the Clear Scripture}. This refers to the Torah, which encompasses all the knowledge necessary for the welfare of religion and the world, as He said: {Indeed, We sent down the Torah, therein is guidance and light} (Al-Ma'idah: 44).
3. The third is His statement: {And We guided them to the Straight Path}. This means We guided them to the path of truth, both rationally and through revelation (hearing/tradition), and We supported them with success and protection. The analogy of true proofs to the straight path is clear.
4. The fourth is His statement: {And We left behind for them among later generations}. There are two opinions regarding this:
   • The first is that {among later generations} refers to the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him), indicated by their saying: {Peace be upon Moses and Aaron}.
   • The second is that {among later generations} refers to the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the form of praise and beautiful remembrance. In this case, the subsequent statement, {Peace be upon Moses and Aaron}, is the word of Allah Himself.

When Allah mentioned these four categories of honor and distinction, He said: {Indeed, thus do We reward the doers of good}, which has been previously explained.

Then Allah said: {Indeed, they were among Our believing servants}. The purpose here is to draw attention to the fact that the virtue attained through faith (Iman) is more noble, higher, and more complete than all other virtues. If this were not the case, it would not be appropriate to conclude the virtues of Moses and Aaron by stating they were among the believers. And Allah knows best.

Verses 123–132 (The Story of Ilyas/Elias)

{And indeed, Ilyas was among the Messengers.} {When he said to his people, "Will you not fear [Allah]?} {Will you call upon Ba'l and leave the Best of Creators?} {Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers?} {But they denied him, so indeed, they will be brought [for judgment],} {Except the chosen servants of Allah.} {And We left behind for him among later generations:} {Peace be upon Ilyasin [Ilyas].} {Indeed, thus do We reward the doers of good.} {Indeed, he was among Our believing servants.}