Al-An"aam 6:85
Surah Al-An"aam, Verse 85 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:85 continues the enumeration of blessed prophets: 'And Zakariya and Yahya and Isa and Ilyas - each one of them was of the righteous (kullu min as-saliheen).' According to authentic Islamic scholarship, this verse presents four additional prophets from the blessed lineage: Zakariya (Zachariah), who was granted a miraculous son in his old age; Yahya (John the Baptist), born to Zakariya and mentioned as having no equal among mankind; Isa (Jesus), born miraculously to Maryam without a father; and Ilyas (Elijah), the prophet who called his people back to monotheism. The tafsir emphasizes that the description 'kullu min as-saliheen' (each one of the righteous) indicates their perfect righteousness, spiritual purity, and complete submission to Allah. Classical scholars note that mentioning Isa (Jesus) in Ibrahim's lineage despite his father-less birth proves that maternal lineage is included in prophetic genealogy, establishing the principle that grandchildren through daughters are also considered offspring. This verse demonstrates the continuity of divine guidance through successive generations of righteous prophets until the final messenger.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحۡيَىٰ وَعِيۡسٰى وَاِلۡيَاسَؕ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصّٰلِحِيۡنَۙ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Wazakariyya wayahyawaAAeesa walyasa kullun mina assaliheen
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 85
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Who are the four prophets mentioned in Al-An'am 6:85?
The four prophets mentioned are Zakariya (Zachariah), Yahya (John the Baptist), Isa (Jesus), and Ilyas (Elijah). According to Islamic tradition, Zakariya was granted a miraculous son in his old age, Yahya was born to Zakariya and had no equal among mankind, Isa was born miraculously to Maryam without a father, and Ilyas was the prophet who called his people back to monotheism.
❓What does 'kullu min as-saliheen' (each one of the righteous) mean?
The phrase 'kullu min as-saliheen' means 'each one of them was of the righteous.' According to the tafsir, this indicates their perfect righteousness, spiritual purity, and complete submission to Allah. The term 'saliheen' refers to those who have achieved the highest level of righteousness through their faith, good deeds, and obedience to Allah's commands.
❓How are these prophets connected to Ibrahim's lineage?
These prophets are part of the blessed lineage mentioned in the previous verses. Classical scholars explain that while most are descendants through the paternal line, Isa (Jesus) is included through maternal lineage since he was born to Maryam without a father. This establishes the Islamic principle that grandchildren through daughters are also considered part of one's offspring, as evidenced by Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn being considered part of Prophet Muhammad's lineage through Fatimah.
❓What is the significance of emphasizing their righteousness in this verse?
Emphasizing their righteousness serves multiple purposes: it shows that divine guidance requires personal righteousness, it demonstrates that prophethood is granted to those of perfect character, it establishes them as examples for believers to follow, and it connects to the broader theme that Allah rewards the Muhsineen (good-doers). The tafsir notes that this righteousness was not merely personal but enabled them to guide their communities effectively.
❓How does this verse demonstrate prophetic continuity?
This verse shows the unbroken chain of prophetic guidance from Ibrahim through multiple generations. It demonstrates that Allah's message remained consistent across different time periods and communities, carried by righteous individuals who maintained the same core message of monotheism. The tafsir emphasizes that this continuity validates the final prophet's mission as part of the same divine plan.
❓What are the unique characteristics of each prophet mentioned?
Each prophet had unique characteristics: Zakariya received a miraculous son in his old age despite his wife's barrenness; Yahya (John) was described as having no equal among mankind and lived a life of extraordinary asceticism; Isa (Jesus) was born miraculously without a father and was given the ability to perform miracles; Ilyas (Elijah) was known for his unwavering stance against idolatry and his powerful confrontation with false prophets.
❓How does this verse connect to the theme of divine rewards?
This verse connects to the recurring theme that Allah rewards the righteous. Just as previous verses mentioned 'thus do We reward the Muhsineen (good-doers),' this verse shows that righteousness leads to divine selection for prophethood. The tafsir explains that their righteousness was both a qualification for and a result of divine guidance, creating a cycle of spiritual elevation.
❓What lessons can modern believers derive from this verse about righteousness?
Modern believers can learn several lessons: righteousness is achievable in every generation, divine guidance is available to those who sincerely seek it, personal purity and good character are essential for spiritual advancement, and the prophetic example provides a clear path to follow. The verse encourages believers to strive for the level of righteousness (saliheen) that characterized these prophets.
Translations & Commentary
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