81And, mention, when Allahu ta’ālā made a covenant with the prophets, 'What (if read lamā, it would be introducing a subject clause, and emphasising the aspect of the oath in this 'making of the covenant'; if it is read limā, it would then be connected to the verb akhadha, 'He took'; the mā, 'what', is a relative particle in both cases, meaning la'lladhī [or li'lladhī respectively]) I have given you (ātaytukum, or in a variant reading, ātaynākum, 'We have given you') of the Book and wisdom; then there shall come to you a Messenger (rasūl) confirming what is with you, of the Book and wisdom, and that is Muhammad "sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam" - you shall believe in him and you shall help him (this constitutes the response to the oath), if you reach his time and perceive him, and their communities [of descendants] follow them [in what is incumbent upon them]. He, Allahu ta’ālā, exalted be He, said to them, Do you affirm, this? 'And do you take, [do you] accept, My load, My covenant, on you on that condition?' They said, 'We affirm.' Allahu ta’ālā said, 'Then bear witness, to this before your own souls and [those of] your followers, and I shall be with you among the witnesses', before you and them. |
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