The Shia scholars are unanimous that these eighteen verses...

The Shia scholars are unanimous that these eighteen verses, or rather the entire Chapter, were revealed about the noted event and all of them, without exception have stated in the books of exegesis and traditions that the narrations concerning this event constitute one of the important distinctions and virtues of Imam Ali, Fatimah Zahra, and their two sons.

In addition, the above-quoted tradition is also very well-known among the Sunni scholars and it is even considered a consecutively narrated tradition [1] (Hadith Mutawatir). Furthermore, this event is so well known and acknowledged that even in the poems which have been written (by both the Shia and the Sunni), such as the well-known poem of Imam al-Shafi, this event has been mentioned!

At this point, let us review some of the excuses and doubts which are brought up every time the merits and greatness of Imam Ali are brought forth by those who show an extreme sense of resentment toward him. Argument 1: They say that this chapter was revealed in Mecca, whereas the particular historical event clearly shows us that this chapter was revealed regarding something which took place after the birth of Imam Hasan and Imam Husain which no doubt took place in Medina.

Response: There are clear proofs at hand which show that the entire content of Surat al-Insan or at least the eighteen verses mentioned previously were revealed in Medina. The consensus of the scholars and exegetes from the Shia tradition is that the entire chapter or at least the beginning section in which the status of these righteous individuals (the ) and the actions of these noble personalities have been mentioned was revealed in Medina.

In addition, it is well-known among Sunni scholars that the revelation of these verses was in Medina [2]. Argument 2: The wordings of the verses are general; thus, how can we apply them to specific individuals? Response: Simply having verses which are of a general nature does not go against the principle that they may be revealed for specific individuals.

There are many verses of the Qur’an which have a very general and comprehensive meaning; however, the history of revelation shows us that they have a specific interpretation. It is amazing to see that some people can take a general understanding of a verse to negate the reason for the revelation of that specific verse!