(48–49) “And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, each of whom was among the virtuous. * This is a reminder.”

That is: Remember these prophets with the most honorable mention and praise them in the finest terms, for each of them was among the virtuous whom Allah chose from among creation and for whom He chose the most perfect conduct: righteous deeds, noble character, praiseworthy qualities, and upright traits.

“This”—the mention of these chosen prophets and their qualities—“is a reminder” in this Quran, which is full of reminders. Those who seek admonition are reminded by their lives; those who seek to follow their example yearn to emulate their praiseworthy qualities; and people come to know the pure qualities Allah bestowed upon them and the praise He spread for them among creation.

This is one form of reminder: the mention of the people of goodness. Another form is the mention of the recompense of the people of goodness and the people of evil. Hence He says: