Qur’an which means the most important Islamic resource has only an essential and general discussion about this matter like many other matters, without mentioning the details of the issue; and in other words, verses of Qur’an follows what we had in reasoning of wisdom and innate intuitions, which means, informs us about the happening of a government of universal peace under the shadow of faith.

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We mention some examples of verses which have introduced this discussion, as follows:

1) We read in al-Anbiya’ (prophets) sura (verses 105 & 106):

ولقد کتبنا فی الزّبور من بعد الذّکر انّ الارض یرثها عبادی الصّالحون انّ فی هذا لبلاغاً لقوم عابدین.

First, the definitions of these words should be noticed:

“ارض” refers to the entire earth and includes the world completely, except that it has a specific reference.

“ارث” literally means a thing which reaches a person without any transaction and business, but in some cases of holy Qur’an, “ارث” has been mentioned in the meaning of victory of a righteous nation over the unrighteous ones and using their facilities and benefits.

“زبور” essentially means any kind of book and text; but usually, it refers to the book of “David” which has been called “Psalms of David” in the Old Testament; and it is a collection of sacred poems of King David; it is also possible that “زبور” refers to all previous divine books (before Qur’an).

“ذِکر” essentially means anything which advices or reminds, but in above verse, it has been interpreted to the divine book of Moses (pbuh) (Torah), according to the fact that it has been introduced before “زبور” , and according to another interpretation “ذِکر” refers to holy Qur’an because it is mentioned in the verses of Qur’an  (ان هو الّا ذکر للعالمین)1.

Therefore, the phrase “مِن بَعد” means “adding to”. (Attention!)

“صالح” means competent and righteous and when it is mentioned in its absolute definition, it includes competence in everything; scientific competence, moral competence, competence in faith, virtue, knowledge and management.

And accordingly, the meaning of the verse is this:

We wrote in Psalms adding to holy Qur’an (of after Torah) that my competent and righteous servants will have the earth; and it is enough for the group of worshipers (and those who make their steps in the way of servitude of god) in order to reach their goals.

Mentioning this matter in “زبور” (if it means all previous divine books) is the reason for this matter to be available in all divine books as a constant principle.

And if the purpose of that is Psalms of David then maybe it is because David had an expanded kingdom which was in the way of truth, justice and human interests; although it was regional and not comprehensive to the entire world; but it was announced to him in Psalms that a comprehensive universal government, based on freedom, security and justice, is waiting for the people of the world.

It means that when they become enough competent and become the living example of “عبادی الصّالحون” and righteous servants of God, they will inherit and gain all the heritages and gifts of the earth, both material and spiritual governments.

More explicit and clearer expressions can be found in some narratives, which have been quoted in interpretation of above verses.

For instance, it is quoted in famous interpretation of “Majma’ al-Bayan” from Imam Baqir (pbuh) beneath the above verse that:

“هم اصحاب المهدی فی آخر الزّمان” (these are the companions of Mahdi (pbuh) in End of Days). Those self-constituted persons men and women who will inherit all the heritages of the earth; and will have the competence of this great prophecy.

It is interesting that, the same exact matter can be found, with different expressions, in “Psalms of David”, which is today included in the Old Testament:

For instance, we read in psalm 37:

9 For the wicked shall be cut off;

but those who wait for the LORD shall possess the land.

10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;

though you look well at his place, he will not be there.

11 But the meek shall possess the land,

and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

Also, in psalm 37, this matter is mentioned with different expressions:

22 for those “blessed” by the LORD shall possess the land,

but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall possess the land,

and dwell upon it for ever.

As you can see, the word “صالحون” (competent ones, righteous ones) which is mentioned in Qur’an is a comprehensive word which includes “the meek”, “wise men”, “righteous ones” and “those who wait for the LORD”.

And we reminded, it is derived from the verse “انّ فی هذا لبلاغاً لقوم عابدین” that government on the earth is not the final goal of righteous and competent ones, but it is a tool for reaching the final goal which is perfection of humans in all aspects, because “بلاغ” means “a thing with which they reach their goal”.

1) Takwir sura, verse 27.