In the name of God, the Merciful, the Beneficent
We had indeed given Moses the Book, so that they might be guided.
And We made the son of Mary and his mother a symbol, and provided for both an abode in a lofty place of lasting restfulness and a fresh spring.
Messengers! Eat of that which is wholesome, and do good deeds: I certainly have full knowledge of all that you do. This community of yours is one single community, and I am your only Lord. Therefore, fear Me alone. But people have divided themselves into factions, each delighting in what they have.
(The Believers, Al-Muminoon: 23: 49-53)
Surah Al-Muminoon makes only brief references to past messengers and how they were received by their peoples. In one instance, the messenger is not mentioned by name, but a brief account, similar in some details to the account given just before it of Noah and the insolent reception his people gave him. We know that in other surahs detailed accounts of earlier prophets and their communities’ reactions to their messages are given, sometimes covering a messenger’s whole history and at others focusing on a particular aspect of the relationship. Each time the account given and the treatment of the story are made to fit the overall theme and objective of the surah in which it occurs. In this surah the accounts we have of the prophets mentioned are all very brief.
The surah mentions Moses and his brother Aaron were sent to Pharaoh and his people. This is followed by a similarly brief reference to Jesus and his mother, highlighting the great miracle in his creation without having a father. Again, those who were bent on denying the truth of God and creation rejected this sign clearly pointing to God’s power: “We had indeed given Moses the Book, so that they might be guided. And We made the son of Mary and his mother a symbol, and provided for both an abode in a lofty place of lasting restfulness and a fresh spring.”
We have different reports about the hill described here as a “lofty place” and its exact location. Was it in Egypt, Damascus or Jerusalem? These were the places where Mary went with her son in his childhood and youth, as mentioned in Christian Scriptures. But knowing the exact location is not of vital importance. It is more important to know that God gave them both a goodly abode where fine plants grow and clear water is plentiful. Thus, they felt that God was taking care of them both.
At this point in the quick references to earlier messengers the surah makes its address to the followers of all messengers, as though they were all gathered together. Thus, the separating gulfs of time and place are shown to be meaningless when compared to the true bond of faith that unites them all: “Messengers! Eat of that which is wholesome, and do good deeds: I certainly have full knowledge of all that you do. This community of yours is one single community, and I am your only Lord. Therefore, fear Me alone.”
The address to the messengers requires them to live as human beings, which is the very thing that those who opposed them questioned: “Eat of that which is wholesome.” Eating is a human need, but choosing only what is wholesome is the aspect that elevates human beings and makes them grow in purity and able to establish a bond with the Supreme Society.
They are also required to “do good deeds.” While taking action is common to all human beings, insisting on doing good is the characteristic of goodly people, providing a measure of control and a clear goal for their deeds. Again such people look up to the Supreme Society when they embark on doing what they want to do.
No messenger of God was ever required to abandon his humanity. What they were asked to do was to elevate this humanity to the highest standard God has made possible for human beings to achieve. Thus, the prophets provided the role model and the ideal which other people should try to emulate. It is left to God to judge their actions according to His own fine measure: “I certainly have full knowledge of all that you do.”
An emphasis is placed on the fact that neither time nor place is of any significance when compared with the single truth that all messengers preached. They all shared a very distinctive nature, were given their messages by the One Creator of all, and worked toward the same goal: “This community of yours is one single community, and I am your only Lord. Therefore, fear Me alone.”
Thus the second passage of the surah ends after having given these short accounts of God’s messengers, stressing the unity of all believers. The third passage begins with showing the state mankind reached after those messengers. This is the state God’s last messenger found them in. They were in dispute over the single truth preached by all God’s messengers in all periods.
The surah shows people oblivious of the truth the final messenger put before their eyes. In their ignorance, they were totally unaware of the consequences they were bound to face. By contrast, believers worship God alone, do good deeds and remain apprehensive of what lies before them. They are in awe over the fact that they will inevitably be returned to God. The two situations are in perfect contrast: A believer is alert, cautious and heeding the warnings, while an unbeliever is deep in ignorance, unaware of what lies ahead. “But people have divided themselves into factions, each delighting in what they have. So, leave them alone, lost in their ignorance, till a time appointed.”
The passage addresses them in different ways, at times denouncing their attitude, and at others discussing their doubts and providing clear answers to them. The passage also addresses their finer nature, pointing out what encourages people to believe whether it be within themselves or in the universe at large. It also picks up some of what they take for granted, using these as argument against them.
As the passage concludes, it leaves them to their inevitable destiny. It tells the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he should continue his efforts, explaining his message. He should not be in distress over their obstinate rejection. He should repel their evil deeds with good ones, and seek refuge with God against Satan who tries hard to lead mankind along the path of clear error.
