Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah have mercy on him—said:

Section

I have discussed in various places how “Surah al-Baqarah” establishes the foundations of knowledge and the principles of religion. Allah Most High begins it by mentioning His Book, which guides the God-fearing. He describes the condition of those who follow guidance, then the disbelievers, then the hypocrites. These are “declarative statements.” He then introduces “directive statements,” calling people to worship Him alone. He then mentions the evidence for this: spreading out the earth, building the heavens, sending down water, and bringing forth fruits as provision for His servants.

He then establishes “messengership” and mentions “the promise of reward and the threat of punishment.” He then mentions the beginning of “prophethood and guidance,” and what He has spread throughout the world in creation and command. He then mentions teaching Adam the names and commanding the angels to prostrate before him because of the knowledge with which He had honoured him. This establishes the same kind of guidance and religion of truth with which Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent. Thus He recounts the message common to the prophets.

He then turns to addressing the Children of Israel and recounting the story of Moses with them. This includes an affirmation of Moses’ prophethood, for he is Muhammad’s counterpart. Thus He mentions Adam, who was the first,