وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَـٰبَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مُّهْتَدٍ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَـٰسِقُونَ 26
Translations
And We have already sent Noah and Abraham and placed in their descendants prophethood and scripture; and among them is he who is guided, but many of them are defiantly disobedient.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad arsalnā Nūḥan wa-Ibrāhīma wa-jaʿalnā fī dhurriyyatihimā an-nubuwwata wa-al-kitāba fa-minhum muhtadin wa-kathīrun minhum fāsiqūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the continuity of prophethood and divine revelation through the lineages of Noah and Abraham, affirming that Allah placed prophethood and scripture among their descendants. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this refers to the chain of prophets descended from these two patriarchs—including Abraham's sons Ishmael and Isaac, and their subsequent descendants who became prophets and received scriptures. The ayah concludes by noting that while some from these noble lineages were guided (muhtadīn), many transgressed (fāsiqūn), reflecting the reality that divine guidance does not guarantee acceptance by all recipients.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina, this ayah appears within a broader Quranic discussion affirming the validation of previous scriptures and prophets, addressing the continuity of Allah's revelation throughout human history. The surah's context emphasizes themes of faith, the hereafter, and the rejection of divine truth by various communities despite clear signs.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of mankind are of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, Imam Ali reported that the Prophet said regarding the people of the Book: 'Among them are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day' (Sahih Muslim 220), reflecting the ayah's acknowledgment of believers and disbelievers among the People of Scripture.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah's guidance and revelation are continuous blessings bestowed through chosen families, yet each individual remains responsible for their acceptance or rejection of truth—noble lineage does not guarantee righteousness, and personal choice determines one's path toward guidance or transgression.