Verses 246 to 253 of Surah Al-Baqarah, dedicated to the story of lt and Jlt, represent one of the most prominent sections of the Holy Qur'an, addressing topics such as leadership, military authority, social discipline, and divine trial. These verses, renowned as al-yt al-iwl (the long and extended verses), begin with Have you not seen the chiefs of the Children of Israel... and extend to O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you. This part of the Holy Qur'an, articulated in eloquent language and a coherent structure, offers profound lessons across moral, social, and military domains. The aim of this paper is to provide a scholarly and systematic exegesis of these verses, grounded in original content and meticulous analysis, suitable for specialised audiences and academic settings. Consequently, peripheral and unnecessary details have been omitted in favour of a focus on foundational and universal concepts.

In narrating the story of lt and Jlt, the Holy Qur'an, contrary to some non-Quranic sources that delve into historical and individual details such as the number of combatants, the characteristics of the stream, or the colour of its water, concentrates on the core messages and themes. These sources, often referred to as Isr'liyyt, are concerned with issues such as numerical figures (eighty thousand, eight thousand, or fewer) or physical attributes of the stream. However, the Holy Qur'an considers such matters insignificant and instead places emphasis on moral and social principles.

Key Point: By avoiding peripheral details, the Holy Qur'an presents the story of lt and Jlt as a universal paradigm that transcends time and space, offering humanity enduring lessons in leadership, discipline, and faith.

This Quranic approach not only avoids unfounded and unnecessary debates but, by concentrating on foundational values, transforms the narrative into a tool for guiding societies across all ages. In contrast to Jewish and Christian traditions, which at times limit themselves to rigid personal details, the Holy Qur'an emphasises divine trials, obedience to legitimate leadership, and social authority, by omitting such details.

The verses under discussion commence with the account of the Children of Israel requesting the appointment of a military commander, leading to the story of lt and Jlt. These verses, articulated in articulate language and coherent structure, recount the various stages of the narrative, from lts appointment, his acceptance by the people, the trial of the stream, and the confrontation with Jlt. Each stage imparts profound lessons across ethical, social, and military dimensions, which shall be elaborated upon in the subsequent sections.