Interpretation of Verses 253-254 Journal Article

Machine summary:

It is evident that these messengers themselves, in the presence of God, according to the type of duty, the radius of their mission and action, the amount of effort and striving in the path of truth, the state of submission and contentment, the endurance of adversities and sufferings, and the steadfastness and persistence in realizing and implementing divine programs—which requires various types of forbearance, patience, good character, and tolerance with people, and sometimes war and struggle with hypocrites and disbelievers—have possessed special ranks and degrees. And although they have all stepped on a single line and path and are working for a single goal and purpose, which is the awakening of innate nature, monotheism, and obedience to the command of the Creator and the "King of Kings" of the universe, the extent of responsibility, the work environment, the scope of preaching, and the heaviness of the type of burden of the mission and duty they carried on their shoulders have been different and diverse, in such a way that each of them, along the path, has seen many and various physical and spiritual harms and injuries, and in the face of divine tests, they have also been at different levels; consequently, each one has a status and position in the divine presence, and in terms of rank and degree of perfection and proximity, a specific situation and dignity. The Imam said: Based on this verse: (تلک الرّسل فضّلنا بعضهم علی بعض) until He says: (ولو شاء اللّه ما اقتتل الّذین من بعدهم)(253).