Al-An"aam 6:86
Surah Al-An"aam, Verse 86 - Translation, Tafsir & Analysis
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Al-An'am 6:86 honors four great prophets whom Allah favored over all mankind: Ishmael (Isma'il), Elisha (Al-Yasa'), Jonah (Yunus), and Lot (Lut). According to classical Islamic scholarship, this verse follows the mention of Ibrahim's blessed lineage, showing how Allah rewarded his sacrifice with righteous descendants who became divine messengers. Ishmael, Ibrahim's son, became the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and father of the Arab nation. Elisha succeeded Prophet Elijah in guiding the Israelites. Jonah was sent to the people of Nineveh and famously swallowed by a great fish before completing his mission. Lot was Ibrahim's nephew who warned his people against moral corruption. The phrase 'preferred over the worlds' (faddalna ala al-alameen) indicates their special rank among all creation due to their righteousness, prophetic missions, and unwavering obedience to Allah. This verse demonstrates that divine honor comes through sacrifice and submission to Allah's will, not through lineage alone, as emphasized in the source tafsir that excellence is Allah's gift to those who remain righteous and avoid all forms of shirk (polytheism).
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
وَاِسۡمٰعِيۡلَ وَالۡيَسَعَ وَيُوۡنُسَ وَلُوۡطًاؕ وَكُلاًّ فَضَّلۡنَا عَلَى الۡعٰلَمِيۡنَۙ
Word By Word —
Word By Word —
Wa-ismaAAeela walyasaAAawayoonusa walootan wakullan faddalna AAalaalAAalameen
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Al-An"aam Ayah 86
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓Definitional Question: What is the established meaning and interpretation of Al-An'am 6:86?
Al-An'am 6:86 identifies four great prophets whom Allah honored above all creation: Ishmael (Isma'il), Elisha (Al-Yasa'), Jonah (Yunus), and Lot (Lut). The verse states 'And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.' This divine preference (fadl) indicates their special rank due to their righteousness, successful prophetic missions, and unwavering obedience to Allah. The mention follows the discussion of Ibrahim's blessed lineage, showing how Allah rewarded his sacrifice with righteous descendants who became divine messengers.
❓Historical Context Question: What are the circumstances surrounding these four prophets mentioned in this verse?
These four prophets represent different branches of divine guidance stemming from Ibrahim's lineage. Ishmael was Ibrahim's son through Hagar and became the ancestor of the Arab nation and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Elisha was a prophet to the Israelites who succeeded Elijah in guiding them. Jonah was sent to the people of Nineveh and is famous for being swallowed by a great fish when he initially fled from his mission before returning to successfully warn his people. Lot was Ibrahim's nephew who was sent to warn the people of Sodom and Gomorrah against their moral corruption and was saved when Allah destroyed the cities for their sins.
❓Linguistic & Rhetorical Question: What is the significance of the specific wording 'preferred over the worlds' in this verse?
The phrase 'faddalna ala al-alameen' (We preferred over the worlds) uses the Arabic root f-d-l indicating divine favor and excellence. The term 'alameen' (worlds/creation) is comprehensive, including all of mankind, jinn, and creation. This preference is not based on lineage alone but on their spiritual excellence, successful completion of prophetic missions, and perfect submission to Allah. The linguistic structure emphasizes that this honor comes from Allah's choice and the prophets' righteousness, establishing that true excellence comes through divine guidance and personal piety rather than worldly status.
❓Jurisprudential (Fiqh) Question: What legal and spiritual principles derive from this verse about divine selection?
This verse establishes the principle that divine honor and leadership come through righteousness and submission to Allah, not through racial or tribal superiority. It confirms the Islamic belief in the prophethood of these messengers and the obligation to respect and follow their teachings. The verse also demonstrates that Allah's selection is based on moral excellence and spiritual qualities, providing a foundation for Islamic egalitarianism where honor comes through taqwa (God-consciousness) rather than lineage. This supports the legal principle that religious authority must be earned through knowledge, piety, and service to Allah's cause.
❓Thematic Connection Question: How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah Al-An'am?
This verse appears within a section detailing Ibrahim's blessed lineage and the prophets who followed, demonstrating Allah's fulfillment of His promise to make Ibrahim a father of nations. It supports the central theme of Al-An'am about Allah's guidance through chosen messengers and the consequences of accepting or rejecting divine revelation. The mention of these prophets reinforces the continuity of divine guidance and shows how Allah rewards those who sacrifice for His cause with righteous offspring and lasting legacy. This connects to the surah's emphasis on the importance of following authentic divine guidance rather than human innovations.
❓Spiritual & Ethical Question: What are the core spiritual lessons from Allah's honoring of these four prophets?
The spiritual lesson is that true honor and excellence come through complete submission to Allah and dedication to His mission, regardless of worldly circumstances. Each prophet faced unique challenges - Ishmael in establishing the Arab nation, Elisha in continuing prophetic guidance, Jonah in overcoming initial reluctance to fulfill his mission, and Lot in standing against societal corruption. Their divine preference teaches believers that Allah honors those who persevere in righteousness, maintain faith during trials, and prioritize divine command over personal comfort. The verse inspires believers to seek Allah's pleasure through righteous action and unwavering commitment to truth.
❓Practical Application Question: How can modern believers apply the example of these honored prophets?
Modern believers can emulate these prophets by maintaining unwavering commitment to Islamic principles even when facing opposition, as Lot did against societal corruption. Like Jonah, believers should accept Allah's guidance completely and fulfill their responsibilities without hesitation. Following Ishmael's example, they should contribute to building righteous communities and preserving Islamic traditions. Like Elisha, believers should continue the work of religious education and spiritual guidance in their communities. The verse encourages seeking excellence through service to Allah, maintaining moral integrity in challenging circumstances, and trusting that divine honor comes through righteousness rather than worldly achievements.
❓Clarification Question: Why is Lot mentioned among Ibrahim's descendants when he was actually his nephew?
Islamic scholarship explains that Lot is included among Ibrahim's 'descendants' as a generalization based on close family relationship and spiritual connection. In Arabic usage, the term 'dhurriyya' (offspring) can include close relatives who share the same spiritual mission. Classical commentators note that this inclusive usage appears elsewhere in the Quran, such as when Isma'il is mentioned among Ya'qub's forefathers despite being his uncle. Additionally, Lot shared Ibrahim's monotheistic mission and was saved alongside him, making him part of the blessed family in terms of spiritual lineage and divine favor, even though the biological relationship was that of nephew rather than direct descendant.
Translations & Commentary
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Resources & References
Related verses, scholarly sources, and contextual information.