Transliteration:( Wa iz akhazal laahu meesaaqan Nabiyyeena lamaaa aataitukum min Kitaabinw wa Hikmatin summa jaaa'akum Rasoolum musaddiqul limaa ma'akum latu'minunna bihee wa latansurunnah; qaala a'aqrartum wa akhaztum alaa zaalikum isree qaalooo aqrarnaa; qaala fashhadoo wa ana ma'akum minash shaahideen )
"And recall when Allah took from the Prophets their covenant [175]—whatever I should give you of the Scripture and wisdom—then comes [176] to you the Messenger confirming what is with you [177]. Then you shall surely believe [178] in him and help him [179]. Allah said: 'Do you agree and take this as My firm covenant, binding upon you?' They said: 'We agree [180].' Then Allah said: 'Then be witnesses, and I am with you among the witnesses.'"
From Hazrat Adam to Hazrat Isa (peace be upon them), every Prophet was made to affirm a covenant concerning the coming of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
Through them, this covenant extended to their followers, as the decision of a leader binds the nation.
The phrase “comes to you” means the Prophet ﷺ was sent for all previous nations as well.
He is a mercy to all worlds.
During Mi’raj, all Prophets performed Salaah behind the Holy Prophet ﷺ, following his Shariah, not their own.
Two points emerge:
The covenant was taken only in regard to our Prophet ﷺ, as he confirms all previous Prophets and revelations.
Since he is a verifier, not a prophesier, there can be no new Prophet or Book after him.
Although the Prophets believed in the Final Messenger on the Day of the Covenant, that was a spiritual, natural faith.
Religious, rewardable faith must be professed in the physical world.
Thus, not all souls from that day are considered believers unless they affirm it in life.
The command “help him” shows that righteous souls assist the Prophet ﷺ and his religion even after death.
Example: Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) assisted during Mi’raj in reducing 50 prayers to 5.
Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ continues to help his Ummah spiritually even today.
Instead of just saying “Yes” (Balaa), the Prophets used the full phrase “We affirm” (Aqrarnaa).
Allah then made them witnesses over one another, and Himself as the Supreme Witness.
This teaches that in serious matters, clear and complete acceptance is required — like in marriage or business contracts.
81. And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: “Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah, and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.” Allah said: “Do you agree (to it) and will you take up Isri” They said: “We agree.” He said: “Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses.” 82. Then whoever turns away after this, they are the rebellious.
Allah states that He took a pledge from every Prophet whom He sent from Adam until `Isa, that when Allah gives them the Book and the Hikmah, thus acquiring whatever high grades they deserve, then a Messenger came afterwards, they would believe in and support him. Even though Allah has given the Prophets the knowledge and the prophethood, this fact should not make them refrain from following and supporting the Prophet who comes after them. This is why Allah, the Most High, Most Honored, said
(And (remember) when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, saying: “Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah.”) meaning, if I give you the Book and the Hikmah,
(“and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.” Allah said, “Do you agree (to it) and will you take up Isri”)
Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Ar-Rabi`, Qatadah and As-Suddi said that `Isri’ means, “My covenant.” Muhammad bin Ishaq said that,
(Isri) means, “The responsibility of My covenant that you took,” meaning, the ratified pledge that you gave Me.
(They said: “We agree.” He said: “Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses.” then whoever turns away after this,”) from fulfilling this pledge and covenant, c
(they are the rebellious.) `Ali bin Abi Talib and his cousin `Abdullah bin `Abbas said, “Allah never sent a Prophet but after taking his pledge that if Muhammad were sent in his lifetime, he would believe in and support him.” Allah commanded each Prophet to take a pledge from his nation that if Muhammad were sent in their time, they would believe in and support him. Tawus, Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Qatadah said, “Allah took the pledge from the Prophets that they would believe in each other”, and this statement does not contradict what `Ali and Ibn `Abbas stated.
Therefore, Muhammad is the Final Prophet until the Day of Resurrection. He is the greatest Imam, who if he existed in any time period, deserves to be obeyed, rather than all other Prophets. This is why Muhammad led the Prophets in prayer during the night of Isra’ when they gathered in Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). He is the intercessor on the Day of Gathering, when the Lord comes to judge between His servants. This is Al-Maqam Al-Mahmud (the praised station) ﴿refer to 17:79﴾ that only Muhammad deserves, a responsibility which the mighty Prophets and Messengers will decline to assume. However, Muhammad will carry the task of intercession, may Allah’s peace and blessings be on him.
(3:81) And recall when Allah took a covenant from the Prophets: ‘This is the Book and the Wisdom which I have given you. But should a Prophet come to you confirming that which is already with you, you shall believe in him and shall help him.[69] So saying, Allah asked: ‘Do you agree and accept to take up the burden of the covenant?’ They answered: ‘We agree,’ He said: Then bear wirness; and I will be with you among the witness.
69. A party of the People of the Book would fain lead you astray, whereas in truth they lead none astray except themselves, but they do not realize it.
[136]- i.e., Have you accepted this obligation?
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