Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:51

"O messengers..."

This call and address are not to be taken literally. How could they be, when the messengers were sent separately at different times?

Rather, the meaning is to inform [the listener] that every messenger in his own time was called to this and commanded with it. This is so the listener may believe that a matter to which all messengers were called and commanded is worthy of being adopted and acted upon.

"The good things" (al-tayyibat): That which is lawful and wholesome.

It is said: The "good things of provision" are that which is lawful (halal), pure (safi), and sustaining (qawam).

• Lawful: That in which God is not disobeyed.
• Pure: That in which God is not forgotten.
• Sustaining: That which supports the soul and preserves the intellect.

Alternatively, it may mean that which is considered pleasant and delicious of foods and fruits. This is supported by its occurrence immediately after the words: "And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and sheltered them..." (Al-Mu'minun: 50).

It is possible that this notification occurred when Jesus and his mother were sheltered in the elevated ground (al-rabwa). Thus, it is mentioned by way of narrative—meaning: We sheltered them and said to them this, i.e., We informed them that all messengers were addressed with this: "Eat of what We have provided you and do righteousness," following the example of the messengers.

"And indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me."