Surah Al-Anbiya; Quran’s Description of True Followers of Faiths
Surah Al-Anbiya is the 21st chapter of the Holy Quran. It is Makki, has 112 verses and is in the 17th Juz of the Holy Book. It is the 73rd Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
In verses 48 to 90 of this Surah there are the names of 16 prophets of God. The verses also speak about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Jesus (PBUH) without naming them. Hence the name of the Surah: Al-Anbiya (the Prophets).
The Surah was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shortly before he left Mecca for Medina at a time when the people of Mecca were at the height of conceit and disregarding the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Quran. That is why in this Surah the fate of disbelievers and Mushrikeen (polytheists), which is nothing but facing severe divine punishment, is described.
The content of the Surah can generally be divided into two parts: beliefs and historical stories. In the first, the Surah draws attention to the results of neglecting the Resurrection Day, Wahy (revelation), and the prophetic mission. In the second, people’s inattention to the prophets’ orders and warnings is highlighted.
After warning those opposing the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Surah narrates the stories of Moses (AS) and Harun (AS), Abraham (AS), Lut (AS), Nuh (AS), Davoud (AS), Suleiman (AS), Ismail (AS), Idris (AS), Yunus (AS), Zakariya (AS), and Hazrat Maryam (SA). It concludes by telling these stories that God has made followers of all faiths an Ummah Wahida (one nation), although this unity has sometimes been undermined due to different reasons
“Indeed, this nation of yours is one nation, and I am Your Lord, therefore worship Me. People have divided themselves into many sects, but all will return to Us.” (Verses 92-93 of Surah Al-Anbiya)
In today’s world, some think that Islam’s slogan f Ummah Wahida seeks to promote Islam and eliminate other faith whereas followers of all faiths can live together in peace by focusing on commonalities and respecting one another’s religious beliefs. That such a unity has not been achieved is because of excessive demands and power-seeking of certain groups. If there was such a unity among followers of faiths, oppressors and unjust-doers would not get power. The Quran, though, gives the good news that the righteous will inherit the earth and the rule of justice and equality will spread on the earth. “We have written in the Psalms, after the Remembrance: ‘The righteous among My worshipers shall inherit the earth.’” (Verse 105 of Surah Al-Anbiya)
