disbelievers. “And their brothers”—and We chose them, electing and selecting them; “and We guided them”—We directed them “to a straight path.”

“That is Allah’s guidance”—that is, Allah’s religion—“by which He guides”—that is, directs—“whomever He wills of His servants. But if they had associated partners with Him”—that is, those whom We have named—“all that they used to do would have come to nothing”—that is, it would have been rendered void and lost.

“Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture”—that is, the scriptures sent down to them—“and judgement”—meaning knowledge and understanding of religion—“and prophethood. But if these people disbelieve in it”—that is, these disbelievers, the people of Mecca—“We have entrusted it to a people who do not disbelieve in it,” meaning the Ansar, the people of Medina. This was said by Ibn Abbas and Mujahid.

Qatadah said: If these disbelievers reject it, We have entrusted it to a people who do not reject it—meaning the eighteen prophets whom Allah has mentioned here. Abu Raja al-Ataridi said: Its meaning is: if the people of the earth disbelieve in it, We have entrusted it to the inhabitants of heaven—the angels—who do not disbelieve in it.

“Those are the ones whom Allah has guided; so follow their guidance. Say, ‘I ask of you no payment for it. It is nothing but a reminder for all peoples.’ (90)”