3 Qualities of Success from Surat Al-Ambya (23 The Prophets)

Learn three qualities to ensure Allah provides an immediate answer. Ustadh Michael Wolfender takes us through Surat Al-Ambya (21 The Prophets) where Allah details the stories of at least a dozen prophets and lessons we can learn from, including the commandments provided to Moses, Ibrahim’s destroying of idols, Noah’s ultimate dua, Job’s calling out to his Master, and the famous dua from Jonah trapped in a whale. 

Of the prophets mentioned, each embodied three qualities warranting Allah’s immediate answer: 

1. They rushed to do good and bring good to other people. Their intent and actions were to do good to people wherever they would go. 
2. They always made dua to Allah; not only just calling out when in need. Their sincere hopes included meeting Allah.
3. They remained humble.

After mentioning these prophets in Al-Ambya, Allah mentions Mary and Jesus as a sign for the entire universe. He then mentions Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a mercy for the entire universe. 

After migrating to the city of Medina, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instilled brotherhood and peace with a constitution instituting rights including freedom of worship. Citizens would mutually defend the community. Peace and goodness were spread to make those around each other live in happiness, taking care of those who have less. Share food with all people. Worship, turn to Allah, make dua, especially at night. This is the way to success. 

These measures help define how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a mercy to the entire universe, promoting the spread of Islam, as in the verse after Ayat ul Kursi (2:255) where Allah says there is no coercion in religion. Rather, the message of Islam is to be delivered with humility, peace and mercy as declared in Surat Al-Ambya. This is how Islam brings justice and fairness.