"Those Who Believed and Those Who Were Jews and Christians and Sabians" — Nations and Acceptance of Good Deeds
asbab
Level: intermediate
madani-events
as-067
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَٱلنَّصَٰرَىٰ وَٱلصَّٰبِـِٔينَ
— البقرة 62
Verse: "Those who believed and those who were Jews and Christians and Sabians — whoever believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteous deeds..." (2:62)
Occasion (Hasan): Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ibn Abbas: when Salman Al-Farisi accepted Islam he praised his companions who died on their religion before Islam. The Muslims said "there is no good in them." The verse was revealed clarifying that whoever was good in faith and deeds before the Prophet's ﷺ mission had their reward.
Authenticity: Hasan
Source: Tafsir Ibn Abi Hatim; Lubab Al-Nuqul
Question: What story is said to have caused this verse to be revealed involving Salman Al-Farisi?
Answer: Salman mentioned his companions who died on their previous religion; Muslims thought ill of them, the verse was revealed to clarify their situation.