Al-Qasas (The Stories)

86. “And you did not hope that the Book should be cast unto you, except it be a mercy from your Lord, therefore be not a supporter of the disbelievers.”

The Divine prophets, with that purity of soul and perfection in worship, did not expect to receive revelation. Revelation and sending Heavenly Books are among the affairs of sovereignty of Allah.

There are two similarities between Hadrat Musa (as) and Hadrat Muhammad (S) found in the verses of this holy Surah:

1. Hoping to obtain fire Hadrat Musa went toward it and he reached a Light. The Prophet of Islam went into Hirra cave intending to worship and he was acquainted with Heavenly revelation.

This verse points to one of the greatest bounties of Allah bestowed on the Prophet (S).

It says:

“And you did not hope that the Book should be cast unto you, except it be a mercy from your Lord…”

A great deal of people had heard the glad tidings of the advent of the new religion and, perhaps, a group of the People of the Book, and other than them, were waiting that the revelation might be sent down on them and Allah would give them this responsibility, but the Prophet (S) did not think of it and Allah knew him the most eligible for it.

Then the verse continues implicitly saying that now for giving thanks upon this great bounty he should follow this command:

“…therefore be not a supporter of the disbelievers.”

Surely the Prophet (S) was never a supporter of the disbelievers, this commandment was an emphasis concerning him, and it was the statement of an important duty for others.

This meaning, in fact, agrees with the matter which was mentioned in former verses about Moses that he (as) said:

“…‘My Lord! For the bounty you have bestowed on me, never shall I be a supporter of the guilty’.”1