وَلَقَدِ ٱخْتَرْنَـٰهُمْ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ عَلَى ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ 32
Translations
And We certainly chose them by knowledge over [all] the worlds.
Transliteration
Wa-laqadi ikhtarnāhum 'alā 'ilmin 'alā al-'ālamīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah chose the Children of Israel with full knowledge above the peoples of their time, granting them prophethood, scripture, and favors. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this refers to Allah's deliberate selection of Bani Isra'il based on His infinite wisdom, not arbitrary preference. However, this selection came with responsibility—their rejection of the message after receiving it brought upon them humiliation and curse, as mentioned in the subsequent ayahs of this surah.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Ad-Dukhan (44), a Meccan chapter that recounts the story of Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh. It serves as a reminder to the Meccan pagans about how Allah dealt with the Children of Israel—first choosing and favoring them, then punishing them for their disobedience. The surah emphasizes that divine favor without obedience leads to destruction.
Related Hadiths
The concept relates to the hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Prophet ﷺ said, 'The best of you are the best of the Children of Israel in the previous nations.' Also relevant is the general principle in Muslim sources that Allah's choice of a people or messenger is based on His knowledge ('ilm), as stated in Surah 22:75.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that being chosen or favored by Allah comes with immense responsibility and accountability—privileges without obedience become a source of punishment rather than honor. Modern believers should reflect that any blessings or knowledge they possess obligate them to act righteously and uphold their covenant with Allah.