وَكَم أَرسَلنا مِن نَبِيٍّ فِي الأَوَّلينَ

How many a prophet We have sent to the ancients!

EXEGESIS

Kam (how many) is often employed to refer to a large number that is either unknown or purposely left vague.[1] Emphasising the sizeable number of prophets sent in the past serves a dual purpose: providing comfort and reassurance to Prophet Muhammad (s), while also serving as a cautionary reminder for the polytheists. This underscores the notion that this practice aligns with God’s consistent and unwavering customs.[2]

Awwalīn (ancients) refers to the previous nations to whom apostles were sent, whereas its opposite, ākhirīn, the later ones, would refer to the Muslims.[3]

EXPOSITION

This verse can be considered as evidence for the claim made in the previous verse. The previous verse mentioned that Allah, due to His infinite mercy, does not stop sending guides to a community if they are a profligate lot. Rather, messengers are continuously sent so that the people may return to the path of truth. The current verse reinforces this practice of Allah, showcasing its consistency throughout history with previous nations as well.[4]

Many exegetes interpret verses 6-8 as both a warning to the polytheists and a source of consolation for the Prophet (see also 15:10).[5]

[1] Munyah, 25/162; Ibn Ashur, 25/215.
[2] Ibn Ashur, 25/216.
[3] Furqan, 26/278.
[4] Amthal, 16/14; Mizan, 18/85.
[5] Amthal, 16/13; Makhzan, 12/7; Maraghi, 25/69.