Portrayal of Jesus’ Companions in Surah As-Saf

TEHRAN (IQNA) – In every era in the history of mankind, believers have struggled to safeguard religion and confront atheism. This is what the companions of Jesus (AS), faithful disciples known as the Hawariyun, did.

The Holy Quran talks about them in Surah As-Saf.

As-Saf is the 61^st chapter of the Quran that has 14 verses and is in the 28^th Juz. It is Madani and the 111^th Surah revealed to the Holy prophet (PBUH).

The word Saf, which means those standing in a line, comes in the fourth verse of the Surah and refers to the line of those doing Jihad on the path of God: “Allah loves those who fight in His Way lining up as if they were a stacked building.”  

Glorifying God, admonishing those whose deeds are different from their words, the ultimate victory of the religion of God and its spreading all over the world, the futility of attempts by opponents prevent it from happening, an encouraging people to do Jihad with their wealth and life are among the issued mentioned in this Surah.

It calls on people to do Jihad on the path of God and confront the enemies of the religion. It says, “They (disbelievers) want to put out the light of God with their mouths, but God will certainly make His light shine forever - even though the disbelievers may dislike this.” (Verse 8)

The Surah also says the Prophet of Islam has been appointed to this position by God so that he can invite people to the true religion, the religion the good news of which had been given to Bani Isra’il by Jesus (AS).

It has been emphasized in Surah As-Saf that believers should not urge others to do what they, themselves, don’t do and that they must fulfill their promises. “Believers, why do you preach what you do not practice?” (Verse 2)

In the final verse, the Hawariyun are described as the special companions of Jesus (AS): “Believers, be the helpers of God just as when Jesus, the son of Mary, asked the disciples, ‘Who will be my helpers for the cause of God?’ and the disciples replied, ‘We are the helpers of God.’”

One of the known verses of the Surah is verse 13: “And yet another (blessing) that you love: help from Allah and a victory near at hand; and give good news to the believers.” Some interpreters says the news of victory is about the conquest of Mecca at the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) while others believe it refers to the ultimate victory of believers in the end of time.