Al-An'am (The Cattle): (154) Then We gave Moses...

Translation and Exegesis

Then We gave Moses the Scripture...

Regarding the phrase {Then We gave} (Thumma Ātaynā), there are several interpretations:

1. Sequential Narration: The implied meaning is: "Then, after enumerating prohibitions and other rulings, I inform you that We gave Moses the Scripture." The word Thumma (Then) here indicates the sequence of the report, not necessarily the sequence of the events themselves. This is similar to His saying: {And certainly did We create you, then We fashioned you, then We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam"} (Al-A'raf: 11).

2. Priority of Core Commandments: The nine commandments mentioned in the preceding verse are fundamental obligations that should not differ across various religious laws; they are eternally binding from the beginning of accountability until the Day of Judgment. The specific laws (Shara'i') that allowed repentance for certain sins occurred after these nine core commandments. Thus, the implication is: After mentioning these core commands, God says, "This is what your Lord enjoined upon you, O children of Adam, long ago and recently." Then, after that, "We gave Moses the Scripture."

3. Omission (Hadhf): There is an omission here. The implied text is: "Then say, O Muhammad, 'Indeed, We gave Moses the Scripture...'" This means: Recite what has been revealed to you, and then recite to them the news of what We gave to Moses.

...a completion for those who did good. (tamāman ‘alā alladhī aḥsan)

Regarding this phrase, there are several interpretations:

1. Completion of Grace for All the Good-Doers: It means a completion of honor and grace for every righteous person who did good. This is supported by the recitation of Abdullah [Ibn Mas'ud], which reads: {upon those who did good} (‘alā alladhīna aḥsanū).

2. Completion for the Messenger: It refers to the completion of grace and honor upon the servant (Moses) who perfected obedience in conveying the message and in all that he was commanded.

3. Completion of Moses' Knowledge: It means a completion for Moses regarding knowledge and laws. The phrase aḥsana shay’an means he perfected its knowledge. Thus, it means an increase upon his knowledge by way of completion.

• Yahya ibn Ya'mur recited it as {‘alā alladhī aḥsan} (upon the one who is better/best) with the subject omitted, similar to the reading {mathalan mā ba‘ūḍah} (a likeness, even a gnat) in Al-Baqarah (2:26), where the predicate is raised. The implied meaning would be: "upon the one who is best in religion and most pleasing [to God]."

• Alternatively, it means: We gave Moses the Scripture complete (tamāman), in the best manner possible—that is, in the way that is best. This aligns with the view of Al-Kalbi: "He perfected the Book for him in its best form."

Then He clarified what was in the Torah of blessings for the religion, which is the detailed explanation of everything.

This refers to what is specific to the religion, which includes the clarification of the prophethood of our Messenger (peace be upon him), his religion, his law, and all other proofs and rulings, except what was later abrogated.

This is why He said: {and guidance and mercy}.

• Guidance (al-Hudā) is well-known: it is direction/proof.
• Mercy (al-Raḥmah) is the blessing.

{so that they may believe in the meeting with their Lord} (la‘allahum bi-liqā’i rabbihim yu’minūn).

This means so that they may believe in the meeting with their Lord, referring to the meeting where they receive the reward and punishment promised by God.

Quranic Text (Surah Al-An'am 6:155-157)

{And this is a Book which We have revealed, blessed; so follow it and be conscious of God, that you may receive mercy.}

{Lest you should say, "The Book was sent down only to two groups before us, and indeed we were heedless of their study,"}

{Or lest you should say, "If only the Book had been sent down to us, we would surely have been more guided than them." So there has come to you a clear proof from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. And who is more unjust than one who denies the verses of God and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our verses with a severe punishment for their turning away.}