Page 138
wa-tilka ḥujjatunā ʾātaynāhā ʾibrāhīma ʿalā qawmihī narfaʿu darajātin man nashāʾu ʾinna rabbaka ḥakīmun ʿalīmun
This was Our argument that We gave to Abraham against his people. We raise in rank whomever We wish. Indeed your Lord is all-wise, all-knowing.
— Ali Quli Qarai
Surah Al-‘An’am, Verse 83
Apostles followed Abraham's footsteps -The other Apostles.
83. "And such was Our argument which We gave to Abraham against his people. We raise up in degrees whom We please; verily your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing."
This verse points to the entire former discussions that have been stated by Abraham upon the subject of Unity and the act of opposition against polytheism. It says:
Then, to complete this meaning, it says:
But, in order that there comes forth no mistake and some persons do not think that Allah discriminates unjustly in this raising up in degrees, it says:
Therefore, He is aware of the degrees that He gives. They are given due to eligibility and according to the standards of wisdom. No one may enjoy them unless the one is eligible.
A Few Explanations
1. The Arabic term /labasa/, mentioned in the previous verse, No.82, means: 'to cover'. This meaning denotes to the fact that since 'Faith' is something innate in human beings, it is not vanishable, but some mists may cover it.
2. Iniquity is the calamity of Faith, and it has a negative effect.
3. Forsaking injustice is the secret of guidance, while cruelty causes that guidance to be hindered.
4. Protecting the Faith is more important than the Faith itself, because the real security is possible to exist only under the light of Faith and justice.
5. Neither the cruel believers have been guided, nor the faithless advocators of Justice.
6. A monotheist, who stands against the perversions of the society by proofs and reasoning, deserves some elevations.
Now, it is necessary to know that the Divine degrees are given wisely. The verse says: