Previous Next

Yunus (Jonah)

Verse 19

Translation:

19. Mankind was but one nation but differed (later). Had it not been for a word that went forth before from thy Lord their differences would have been settled between them.

Notes (Tafseer):

1406. Cf. ii 213. All mankind was created one, and Allah's Message to mankind is in essence one, the Message of Unity and Truth. But as selfishness and egotism got hold of man, certain differences sprang up between individuals, races, and nations, and in His infinite Mercy He sent them messengers and messages to suit their varying mentality, to test them by His gifts, and stir them up to emulation in virtue and piety (v. 48).

1407. Cf. vi. 115. ix 40, and iv. 171. "Word" is the Decree of Allah, the expression of His Universal Will or Wisdom in a particular case. When men began to diverge from one another (see last note), Allah made their very differences subserve the higher ends by increasing their emulation in virtue and piety, and thus pointing back to the ultimate Unity and Reality.

Previous Next
 
Privacy  |  About Wister

Copyright © 2026 Wister All rights reserved