وَأَوْرَثْنَا ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُوا۟ يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَـٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَـٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا ۖ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ ۖ وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ 137
Translations
And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word [i.e., decree] of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.
Transliteration
Wa-awrathna al-qawma alladhina kanu yustadʿafuna mashariqa al-ardi wa-magharibaha allatī barakna fīha wa-tammat kalimatu rabbika al-husna ʿala bani Isrāʾīla bimā sabaru wa-dammarna ma kana yasnaʿu Firʿawnu wa-qawmuhu wa-ma kanu yaʿrishun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah inherited the lands of the east and west—the blessed lands of Canaan (Shaam)—to the Children of Israel, who were previously oppressed under Pharaoh's rule. The fulfillment of Allah's promise (Kalimatu Rabbika al-Husna) to the Israelites was contingent upon their patience and steadfastness, while Pharaoh and his people's constructions and civilization were completely destroyed. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse demonstrates divine justice: the weak and oppressed are elevated while the arrogant oppressors are annihilated.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the broader narrative of Surah Al-A'raf (Meccan period), which recounts the stories of various prophets and peoples, particularly the account of Moses and Pharaoh. It comes as the culmination of the Exodus narrative, providing reassurance to the Meccan Muslims that just as Allah saved the Israelites from oppression, He would grant victory to the believers facing persecution in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The theme of inheritance and victory through patience is reflected in the hadith: 'Indeed, with hardship comes ease' (Surah Al-Inshirah 94:5-6). Additionally, the concept of Allah's promise being fulfilled through patience is supported by numerous hadiths on sabr (patience), such as 'The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
For believers facing oppression or hardship, this ayah exemplifies that steadfast patience in faith leads to divine vindication and inheritance of blessings, while arrogance and tyranny inevitably result in destruction. Modern readers should find solace that Allah's promises are certain, and that remaining patient during trials is the pathway to ultimate success and honor.