SHAFAQNA- A great portion of the verses of the Qur`an are in relation to the history of the previous prophets and we are given a brief insight into the lives of some of these great men and the ways of their struggles with the oppressors and tyrants of their time.
Having knowledge of the history of the life of previous nations such as ’Ad and Thamud, or having knowledge of the satanic powers of the oppressors such as those in Babil [present day Iraq] and the Pharaohs of Egypt, make the verses which speak of the struggles of the various prophets such as Hud (‘a), Salih (‘a), Ibrahim (‘a) and Musa (‘a) clear to us.
Information on the lives of the prophets of the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il), especially of prophets Dawud (‘a) and Sulayman (‘a) help us understand many of the verses of the Qur`an. In referring to the verses of the Qur`an in regards to these two individuals, the truthfulness in our words (in regards to these two prophets) would be made clear to everyone.
Of course in this section, we must not give up our prudence and caution (in conducting research) and must recognize the correct and authentic reports from the incorrect and unauthentic ones, especially when it comes to the prophets sent to the Children of Israel and the forged traditions known as “Isra’ili” narrations, which are large in number and can never be relied upon.
Adapted from: “Introduction to the Science of Tafsir of the Quran” by: “Ayatullah Subhani”