27, verse 16) But some others, such as the great commentator...

27, verse 16) But some others, such as the great commentator 'Allamah TAbitba'i said in Al-Mizan that this concept is improbable, because he does not consider the sentence /'allaoina min qablihim/ (to those before them') to be proper for prophets. For this sentence has not been used for prophets in the Qur'an, therefore it refers to nations that were faithful and did good deeds and became the rulers on the earth.

However, some others believe that this verse refers to the Children of Israel who achieved authority on the earth when Moses (a.s.) appeared and Pharaoh was defeated, as it is mentioned in Sura Al-'A'raf, No. 7, verse 137: "And We made the people, who were abased, the inheritors to the east (parts) of the land and the west (parts) of it which We had blessed therein, ..." It is also said about them (the believers of the Children of Israel): "And to grant them power in the earth ..." (Al-Qasas, No.

28, verse 6) It is true that there were some wicked and insincere persons among the Children of Israel and even they might be pagan, but government was in the hand of the righteous believers, (therefore the fault that some commentators find with this commentary is rejected,) and, thus, the third commentary seems more correct. 2. To Whom Does Allah Promise?

In this verse we read that Allah has promised the authority of the earth, establishment of the chosen religion and complete security to those who are believers and do righteous deeds, but commentators are of different opinions about the extension of these persons: Some of them say that it refers to the of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), who ruled the earth after Islam and defeated pagans at the time of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).

(Of course, the purpose of the word 'Ard' (the earth) is not all of the earth or all countries, but it is a concept that is true about a part and the whole both.) Some say it refers to the first four caliphates' authority. And some consider its meaning so wide-ranging that it includes all Muslims who have such an attribute.

Some say that it refers to government of Mahdi (may Allah hasten his appearance!), which includes western and eastern parts of the world and the religion of Truth will widespread. Fear and war will be abolished on the earth, and sincere worship will be materialized for all people of the world.