And this was Our argument68 which We vouchsafed unto Abraham against his people: [for] We do raise by degrees whom We will.69 Verily, thy Sustainer is wise, all-knowing.
Asad Translation Note Number :
The description of Abraham's reasoning as God's own argument implies that it was divinely inspired, and is therefore valid for the followers of the Qur'an as well.
This is evidently an allusion to Abraham's gradual grasp of the truth, symbolized by his intuitive progress from an adoration of celestial bodies - stars, moon and sun - to a full realization of God's transcendental, all-embracing existence. Alternatively, the expression "by degrees" may be taken to mean "by many degrees", signifying the great spiritual dignity to which this forerunner of a long line of prophets was ultimately raised see 4:125 .
Malik Quran Translation
This was the argument which We furnished Ibrahim (Abraham) against his people. We exalt in ranks whom We please; surely your Rabb is Wise, Aware.
Yusuf Ali Quran Translation
That was the reasoning about Us which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge. 902
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
The spiritual education of Abraham raised him many degrees above his contemporaries, and he was expected to use that knowledge and dignity for preaching the truth among his own people.
Mustafa Khattab Quran Translation
This was the argument We gave Abraham against his people. We elevate in rank whoever We please. Surely your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.
Mustafa Khattab Translation Note Number :
Piktal Quran Translation
That is Our argument. We gave it unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! thy Lord is Wise, Aware.