Surah Ya-Sin / Verse 20

While the townspeople are threatening God's messengers with violence, a man hurries from the farthest part of the city to support them.

The Quran gives neither his name or occupation nor the names of the city and the messengers. Some historical commentaries identify the city as Antioch and regard the messengers as disciples of Jesus, but these identifications are not established beyond dispute. There are also differing views about who the messengers were. What the story highlights is the man's faith and conduct, not his name or social position.

The detail that he came from the farthest part of the city may suggest that there was no prior coordination between him and the messengers. He comes from among the very people to whom the messengers were sent. Unlike those opposing them, however, he has accepted the truth of their call and hurries to their aid.

Despite the hostility around him, he begins with the affectionate words “My people!” He does not approach them to humiliate them or to show hatred, but out of concern for their well-being.

Faith has not made him indifferent to the fate of others. Even in an atmosphere of threats and resistance, he steps forward in the hope of helping his people find guidance.