Study of Sunni Interpretation of Sura XCII, Verses 17-21

Sura XCII, Verses 17-21 in particular the verse “the most virtuous shall be spared it” holds an outstanding position in the eyes of Sunni exegetes and theologians. It is one of their significant witnesses in proving the superiority and caliphate of Abu Bakr so that it is said: Sura 92 is the Sura of Abu Bakr. To prove their claim, Sunni scholars have relied on two arguments i.e. traditions and consensus, and exegetical analysis of the verses of this Sura. According to Shiite theologians and exegetes, these traditions are weak in terms of their chain of transmission, and are conflicting or contradictory in terms of their text and signification. Furthermore there is no consensus on the revelation of these verses about Abu Bakr. According to Shiite scholars, the phrase “the most virtuous” applies to Abu al- Dahdah, and the verses have a general or universal signification.