In what way and why did Allah give special favours to Bani Israel?
Allah granted special favors to the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) for several reasons, as highlighted in the Qur'an and classical tafsir.
In Surah Al-Baqara, Allah commands, O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.
2:122. This verse emphasizes the unique position that Bani Israel held, as they were chosen for numerous blessings. Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that this favor included being granted prophets, messengers, and divine scriptures, which were not given to other nations at the same scale. The blessings extended to their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the provision of sustenance such as manna and quail, and the inheritance of the land of Palestine.
Majma al-Bayan, a Shia tafsir, further elaborates that the remembrance of these favors serves as a reminder for the Children of Israel to appreciate their lineage and the divine guidance they received. Their forefathers were among the prophets, and they inherited a legacy that included spiritual guidance and the oneness of God, which should invoke gratitude and fulfillment of their covenant with Allah.
The special treatment of Bani Israel can be summarized as a means to highlight the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude. Allah aimed for them to recognize His mercy and to remain steadfast in their commitment to Him, serving as an example for future generations.
Sources
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2:122 · Al-Baqara
2:122 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
يَٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتِىَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَأَنِّى فَضَّلْتُكُمْ عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
O Children of Israel! Remember My favour wherewith I favoured you and how I preferred you to (all) creatures.
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Tafsir Ibn Kathir on 2:122
Tafsir Ibn Kathir · 2:122
This verse has a parallel earlier in the beginning of the chapter, and it is repeated here to emphasize and urge the Children of Israel to follow the unlettered Prophet—Muhammad—whose description, name, command, and nation they find mentioned in their own scriptures. The verse warns them against concealing this truth and the blessings Allah has bestowed upon them. It commands them to recall and be grateful for Allah's favors upon them, both worldly and religious. Furthermore, it instructs them not to envy their Arab cousins who have been granted the final Messenger by Allah. They should not allow such envy to lead them into opposing, denying, or deviating from his guidance. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him always until the Day of Judgment.
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