وَقُلْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ لِبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱسْكُنُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا 104
Translations
And We said after him [i.e., Pharaoh] to the Children of Israel, "Dwell in the land, and when there comes the promise [i.e., appointment] of the Hereafter, We will bring you forth in [one] gathering."
Transliteration
Wa qulna min ba'dihi li bani Isra'ila askunu al-arda fa-iza ja'a wa'du al-akhirati ji'na bikum lafifan
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah commanded the Children of Israel to inhabit the land after Musa (Moses), and when the promise of the Day of Judgment arrives, Allah will gather them together in a multitude. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain this as referring to both the earthly dispersion of Bani Israel throughout history and their ultimate gathering on the Day of Resurrection, emphasizing Allah's control over their destiny and the certainty of the final reckoning.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Isra's discussion of the Children of Israel's history and their relationship with the covenant. It follows the mention of Musa and relates to the broader Meccan theme of resurrection and accountability, reminding the Quraysh that just as Allah fulfilled His promise with Bani Israel, He will fulfill His promise regarding the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding the gathering of nations on the Day of Judgment relates thematically to the concept of 'lafifan' (gathered in multitudes). Additionally, hadiths about the final hour and resurrection in Sahih Bukhari discuss the gathering of all creation before Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah's promises are certain and inevitable—both those fulfilled in history and those awaiting fulfillment on the Day of Judgment. It teaches that despite earthly scattering and dispersion, all humanity will ultimately stand before Allah in accountability, encouraging mindfulness of our deeds and preparation for the afterlife.