Name: The name of this chapter is Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) and it has seven sections and one hundred and twelve verses. Although the word Anbiya does not appear in the chapter, it focuses on the prophets (Allah bless them all) and it delves into the objections that were raised about them, their high spiritual status, the destruction of their enemies, their salvation from the clutches of their enemies, and finally, the inheritance of the land by them and their followers. These are the topics covered in this chapter and in particular the topic of the sinlessness of prophets is very comprehensibly dealt with, emphasizing that they walked in the way of Allah in both words and deeds. For this reason, this chapter is appropriately named Al-Anbiya.
Summary: This chapter begins by stating that people do not care about the consequences of their deeds, and rather, when Allah sends them a warner to awaken them, they are filled with objections. They call his teachings scattered dreams, or fabrications and regard him as a poet. It is reiterated that human beings have always been given the role of messengers to humanity.
The second section mentions the high spiritual status of prophets. While they are human and depend on food for their sustenance like all humans, their commission from Allah is manifested by the fact that when their opponents and enemies try to destroy them or their teachings, the opponents themselves get destroyed. It would not be possible for one person to take on all the powers and to defeat them were it not for the strong hand of Allah assisting them. In the second part of the same section, it is revealed that the connection of prophets with Allah is so strong that in spite of massive opposition, their inner peace and joy keeps growing. Such people spread Divine unity in the world, and they submit themselves so completely to the obedience of Allah that neither in their words not actions do they do anything that is against the pleasure of Allah.
The third section likens revelation to rain and just as rain causes the vegetation to strengthen, revelation provides nourishment for the spiritual development of the human heart. Those who deprive themselves of this heavenly water will ultimately be in loss.
The fourth section explains how the truth gradually influences hearts, and this is a sure sign of its ultimate success.
The fifth section gives some of the events of Prophet Abraham’s life beginning with his preaching the unity of God and how the people became his enemies and tried to kill him, but Allah saved him and spread truth in the world through him.
The sixth section mentions several other prophets and how they were afflicted with great trials, and saved from them to succeed in their missions.
The seventh section mentions the Seal of prophets, namely the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is prophesied that the truth will prevail as it did in the past, and ultimately the righteous will inherit the land.
Relation with previous chapter: This chapter has a clear relation with the previous one which ends by saying that the Holy Prophet cannot fail in his mission and he eventually will gain widespread acceptance. This is further clarified in this chapter, and it is stated that prophets and righteous people have always been successful. They are saved from the enemies who try to destroy them, the truth is made to prevail and they inherit the land.
Period of revelation: This verse was revealed in the first period of the Holy Prophet’s mission in Makkah, which is prior to the emigration to Abyssinia. Refer to the introductory note to Surah Bani Israel. The chapters from Bani Israel to Al- Anbiya all belong to the early Makkan period as confirmed by the testimony of Ibn Masud, given in the introductory note of Bani Israel.
Bayan-ul-Quran 