The Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-An'ām (Chapter - 6)

Which was Revealed in Makkah

Qur’an 6:1–8ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَجَعَلَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ وَٱلنُّورَ ثُمَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن طِينٍ ثُمَّ قَضَىٰٓ أَجَلًا وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِندَهُۥ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تَمْتَرُونَ وَهُوَ ٱللَّهُ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَعْلَمُ سِرَّكُمْ وَجَهْرَكُمْ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُونَ وَمَا تَأْتِيهِم مِّنْ ءَايَةٍ مِّنْ ءَايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ إِلَّا كَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا مُعْرِضِينَ فَقَدْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ فَسَوْفَ يَأْتِيهِمْ أَنۢبَٰٓؤُا۟ مَا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّن قَرْنٍ مَّكَّنَّٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا لَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّكُمْ وَأَرْسَلْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْهِم مِّدْرَارًا وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرَ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمْ فَأَهْلَكْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَأَنشَأْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ قَرْنًا ءَاخَرِينَ وَلَوْ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ كِتَٰبًا فِى قِرْطَاسٍ فَلَمَسُوهُ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ لَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ وَلَوْ أَنزَلْنَا مَلَكًا لَّقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ ثُمَّ لَا يُنظَرُونَ

The Virtue of Sūrat Al-An'ām and When it Was Revealed

Al-ʻAwfi, ʻIkrimah and ʻAṭā' said that Ibn ʻAbbās said, "Sūrat Al-An'ām was revealed in Makkah"^{1Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:243.} Aṭ-Ṭabarāni recorded that Ibn ʻAbbās said, "All of Sūrat Al-An'ām was revealed in Makkah at night, accompanied by seventy thousand angels, raising their voices in glorification of Allāh"^{2Aṭ-Ṭabarāni 12:215.} As-Suddi said that Murrah said that ʻAbdullāh said, "Sūrat Al-An'ām was revealed in the company of seventy thousand angels."^{3Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:243.}

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Qur’an 6:1–3ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَجَعَلَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ وَٱلنُّورَ ثُمَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن طِينٍ ثُمَّ قَضَىٰٓ أَجَلًا وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِندَهُۥ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تَمْتَرُونَ وَهُوَ ٱللَّهُ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَعْلَمُ سِرَّكُمْ وَجَهْرَكُمْ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُونَ

«1. All praise be to Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light, yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord.»

«2. He it is Who has created you from clay, and then has decreed a stated term. And there is with Him another determined term, yet you doubt.»

«3. And He is Allāh, in the heavens and the earth, He knows what you conceal and what you reveal, and He knows what you earn.»

All Praise is Due to Allāh for His Glorious Ability and Great Power

Allāh praises and glorifies His Most Honorable Self for creating the heavens and earth, as a dwelling for His servants, and for making the darkness and the light to benefit them in the night and the day. In this Āyah, Allāh describes darkness in the plural, Ẓulumāt [where Ẓulmah is singular for darkness], while describing the light in the singular, An-Nūr, because An-Nūr is more honored. In other Āyāt, Allāh said,

Qur’an 16:48عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَٱلشَّمَآئِلِ

«To the right and to the lefts.» [16:48]

Near the end of this Sūrah (chapter 6), Allāh also said;

Qur’an 6:153وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَٰطِى مُسْتَقِيمًا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ

«And verily, this is my straight path, so follow it, and follow no (other) ways, for they will separate you away from His way.» [6:153]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:1ثُمَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ

«Yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord.»

meaning, in spite of all this, some of Allāh's servants disbelieve in Him and hold others as partners and rivals with Him. Some of Allāh's servants claimed a wife and a son for Allāh, hallowed be He far above what they attribute to Him. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:2هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن طِينٍ

«He it is Who has created you from clay,»

refers to the father of mankind, Ādam, from whom mankind originated, multiplied in numbers and spread about, east and west. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:2ثُمَّ قَضَىٰٓ أَجَلًا وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِندَهُۥ

«Then has decreed a stated term. And there is with Him another determined term...» His saying;

Qur’an 6:2ثُمَّ قَضَىٰٓ أَجَلًا

«Then has decreed a stated term,» refers to death, while,

Qur’an 6:2وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِندَهُۥ

«And there is with Him another determined term... »

refers to the Hereafter, according to Sa'īd bin Jubayr who reported this from Ibn 'Abbās.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:257.} Similar statements were narrated from Mujāhid, 'Ikrimah, Sa'īd bin Jubayr, Al-Ḥasan, Qatādah, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk, Zayd bin Aslam, 'Aṭiyyah, As-Suddi, Muqātil bin Ḥayyān and others.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:256-258.} Ibn 'Abbās and Mujāhid said that,

Qur’an 6:2ثُمَّ قَضَىٰٓ أَجَلًا

«And then has decreed a stated term,» is the term of this earthly life, while,

Qur’an 6:2وَأَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى عِندَهُۥ

«And there is with Him another determined term» refers to man's extent of life until he dies as mentioned in Allāh's statement;^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:256.}

Qur’an 6:60وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُم بِٱلنَّهَارِ

«It is He, Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep), and has knowledge of all that you have done by day, then He raises (wakes) you up again that a term appointed (life) be fulfilled.» [6:60]

The meaning of Allāh's statement,

Qur’anعِندَهُۥ

«With Him» is that none but Him knows when it will occur. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 7:187إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ رَبِّى لَا يُجَلِّيهَا لِوَقْتِهَآ إِلَّا هُوَ

«The knowledge thereof is with my Lord. None can reveal its time but He.﴿ [7:187], and,

Qur’an 79:42–44يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلسَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرْسَىٰهَا فِيمَ أَنتَ مِن ذِكْرَىٰهَآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ مُنتَهَىٰهَآ

«They ask you about the Hour - when will be its appointed time? You have no knowledge to say anything about it. To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof.﴿ [79:42-44]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:2ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تَمْتَرُونَ

«Yet you doubt.﴿ the coming of the (last) Hour, according to As-Suddi.^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:260.} Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:3وَهُوَ ٱللَّهُ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَعْلَمُ سِرَّكُمْ وَجَهْرَكُمْ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُونَ

«And He is Allāh in the heavens and the earth, He knows what you conceal and what you reveal, and He knows what you earn.﴿

Meaning, it is He Who is called Allāh, throughout the heavens and the earth, that is, it is He who is worshipped, singled out, whose divinity is believed in by the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth. They call Him Allāh, and they supplicate to Him in fear and hope, except those who disbelieve among the Jinns and mankind. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 43:84وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ إِلَٰهٌ وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَٰهٌ

«It is He Who is God in the heavens and the earth.﴿[43:84] meaning, He is the God of those in heaven and those on earth, and He knows all affairs, public and secret.

Qur’an 6:3وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْسِبُونَ

«And He knows what you earn» all the good and bad deeds that you perform.

Qur’an 6:4–6وَمَا تَأْتِيهِم مِّنْ ءَايَةٍ مِّنْ ءَايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ إِلَّا كَانُوا۟ عَنْهَا مُعْرِضِينَ فَقَدْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ فَسَوْفَ يَأْتِيهِمْ أَنۢبَٰٓؤُا۟ مَا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّن قَرْنٍ مَّكَّنَّٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا لَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّكُمْ وَأَرْسَلْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْهِم مِّدْرَارًا وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرَ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمْ فَأَهْلَكْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَأَنشَأْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ قَرْنًا ءَاخَرِينَ

«4. And never an Āyah comes to them from the Āyāt of their Lord, but that they have been turning away from it.» «5. Indeed, they rejected the truth when it came to them, but there will come to them the news of that which they used to mock at.» «6. Have they not seen how many a generation before them We have destroyed whom We had established on the earth such as We have not established you? And We poured out on them rain from the sky in abundance, and made the rivers flow under them. Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and created after them other generations.»

Threatening the Idolators for their Stubbornness

Allāh states that the rebellious, stubborn polytheists will turn away from every Āyah, meaning, sign, miracle and proof that is evidence of Allāh's Uniqueness and the truth of His honorable Messengers. They will not contemplate about these Āyāt or care about them. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:5فَقَدْ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ فَسَوْفَ يَأْتِيهِمْ أَنۢبَٰٓؤُا۟ مَا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ

«Indeed, they rejected the truth when it came to them, but there will come to them the news of that which they used to mock at.»

This Āyah contains a warning and a stern threat for the disbelievers' rejection of the truth, stating that the disbelievers will surely know the truth of what they used to deny and taste the evil end of their behavior. Allāh advises and warns the disbelievers, that they should avoid the torments and afflictions of this life, similar to what befell their likes from previous nations, who were stronger, wealthier, had more offspring, and were more exploitive on the earth. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:6أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّن قَرْنٍ مَّكَّنَّٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا لَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّكُمْ

«Have they not seen how many a generation before them We have destroyed whom We had established on the earth such as We have not established you?»

meaning, they had more wealth, children, buildings, abundant provision, riches and soldiers. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:6وَأَرْسَلْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْهِم مِّدْرَارًا

«and We poured out on them rain from the sky in abundance,»

in reference to rain that comes often,

Qur’an 6:6وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرَ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهِمْ

«And made the rivers flow under them.»

as rain was abundant and the springs were plentiful, so that We deceived them.

Qur’an 6:6فَأَهْلَكْنَٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمْ

«Yet We destroyed them for their sins»

meaning the mistakes and errors that they committed,

Qur’an 6:6وَأَنشَأْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ قَرْنًا ءَاخَرِينَ

«and created after them other generations,»

for, these generations of old perished and became as legends and stories,

Qur’an 6:6وَأَنشَأْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ قَرْنًا ءَاخَرِينَ

«And created after them other generations.»

so that We test the new generations, as well. Yet, they committed similar errors and were destroyed, as their ancestors were destroyed. Therefore, beware of the same end that might befall you, for you are not dearer to Allāh than these previous nations, but the Messenger whom you defied is dearer to Allāh than the Messengers they defied. Thus, you are more liable than them to receive torment, if it was not for Allāh's mercy and kindness.

Qur’an 6:9–18وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَٰهُ مَلَكًا لَّجَعَلْنَٰهُ رَجُلًا وَلَلَبَسْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّا يَلْبِسُونَ وَلَقَدِ ٱسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا۟ مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ ٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ قُل لِّمَن مَّا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ قُل لِّلَّهِ كَتَبَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةَ لَيَجْمَعَنَّكُمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَلَهُۥ مَا سَكَنَ فِى ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ قُلْ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَتَّخِذُ وَلِيًّا فَاطِرِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَلَا يُطْعَمُ قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ مَّن يُصْرَفْ عَنْهُ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمَهُۥ وَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْمُبِينُ وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُۥٓ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَهُوَ ٱلْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِۦ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ

Qur’an 6:7–11وَلَوْ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ كِتَٰبًا فِى قِرْطَاسٍ فَلَمَسُوهُ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ لَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ وَلَوْ أَنزَلْنَا مَلَكًا لَّقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ ثُمَّ لَا يُنظَرُونَ وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَٰهُ مَلَكًا لَّجَعَلْنَٰهُ رَجُلًا وَلَلَبَسْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّا يَلْبِسُونَ وَلَقَدِ ٱسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا۟ مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ ٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

«7. And even if We had sent down unto you a Message written on paper so that they could touch it with their hands, the disbelievers would have said: "This is nothing but obvious magic!"»

«8. And they say: "Why has not an angel been sent down to him?" Had We sent down an angel, the matter would have been judged at once, and no respite would be granted to them.»

«9. And had We appointed him an angel, We indeed would have made him a man, and We would have certainly caused them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.»

«10. And indeed Messengers were mocked before you, but their scoffers were surrounded by the very thing that they used to mock at.»

«11. Say: "Travel in the land and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."»

Censuring the Rebellious and their Refusal to Accept Human Messengers

Allāh describes the rebellion and stubbornness of the idolators in defying the truth and arguing against it,

Qur’an 6:7وَلَوْ نَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ كِتَٰبًا فِى قِرْطَاسٍ فَلَمَسُوهُ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ

«And even if We had sent down unto you a Message written on paper so that they could touch it with their hands,»

meaning, if they saw this Message's descent and were eyewitnesses to that,

Qur’an 6:7لَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ

«the disbelievers would have said: "This is nothing but obvious magic!"»

This is similar to Allāh's description of the disbelievers' defiance of facts and truth,

Qur’an 15:14–15وَلَوْ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَابًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَظَلُّوا۟ فِيهِ يَعْرُجُونَ لَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا سُكِّرَتْ أَبْصَٰرُنَا بَلْ نَحْنُ قَوْمٌ مَّسْحُورُونَ

«And even if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they were to continue ascending thereto. They would surely say: "Our eyes have been (as if) dazzled. Nay, we are a people bewitched."» [15:14-15], and,

Qur’an 52:44وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كِسْفًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ سَاقِطًا يَقُولُوا۟ سَحَابٌ مَّرْكُومٌ

«And if they were to see a piece of the heaven falling down, they would say, "Clouds gathered in heaps!"» [52:44].

Qur’an 6:8وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ مَلَكٌ

«And they say: "Why has not an angel been sent down to him?"»

to convey the Message with admonition along with him. Allāh replied,

Qur’an 6:8وَلَوْ أَنزَلْنَا مَلَكًا لَّقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ ثُمَّ لَا يُنظَرُونَ

«Had We sent down an angel, the matter would have been judged at once, and no respite would be granted to them.»

Consequently, even if the angels descend, while the disbelievers still had the same attitude, then the torment will surely befall them from Allāh as a consequence. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 15:8مَا نُنَزِّلُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَمَا كَانُوٓا۟ إِذًا مُّنظَرِينَ

«We send not the angels down except with the truth (i.e. for torment, etc.), and in that case, they (the disbelievers) would have no respite!» [15:8], and,

Qur’an 25:22يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ لَا بُشْرَىٰ يَوْمَئِذٍ لِّلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«On the Day they will see the angels, no glad tidings will there be for the criminals that day.» [25:22]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:9وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَٰهُ مَلَكًا لَّجَعَلْنَٰهُ رَجُلًا وَلَلَبَسْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّا يَلْبِسُونَ

«And had We appointed him an angel, We indeed would have made him a man, and We would have certainly caused them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.»

meaning, if We send an angel along with the human Messenger, or if We send an angel as a Messenger to mankind, he would be in the shape of a man so that they would be able to speak to him and benefit from his teachings. In this case, the angel (in the shape of a human) will also cause confusion for them, just as the confusion they caused themselves over accepting humans as Messengers! Allāh said,

Qur’an 17:95قُل لَّوْ كَانَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَلَٰٓئِكَةٌ يَمْشُونَ مُطْمَئِنِّينَ لَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَلَكًا رَّسُولًا

«Say: "If there were on the earth, angels walking about in peace and security, We should certainly have sent down for them from the heaven an angel as a Messenger."» [17:95]

It is a mercy from Allāh to His creation that He sends every type of creation, Messengers from among their kind, so that they are able to call their people to Allāh, and their people able to talk to them, ask them and benefit from them. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 3:164لَقَدْ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ

«Indeed Allāh conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them His verses (the Qur'ān), and purifying them.» [3:164]

Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk said that Ibn 'Abbās said about the Āyah [6:9 above], "If an angel was sent to them, he would come in the shape of a man. This is because they will not be able to look at the angel due to light."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:268.}

Qur’an 6:9وَلَلَبَسْنَا عَلَيْهِم مَّا يَلْبِسُونَ

«...

and We would have certainly caused them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.»

meaning, We would confuse them over their confusion. And Al-Wālibi reported Ibn 'Abbās saying; "We brought doubts around them."

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:10وَلَقَدِ ٱسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا۟ مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ

«And indeed Messengers were mocked before you, but their scoffers were surrounded by the very thing that they used to mock at.»

comforts the Messenger ﷺ concerning the denial of him by his people. The Āyah also promises the Messenger ﷺ, and his believers, of Allāh's victory and the good end in this life and the Hereafter. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:11قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ثُمَّ ٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ

«Say: "Travel in the land and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."»

meaning, contemplate about yourselves and think about the afflictions Allāh struck the previous nations with, those who defied His Messengers and denied them. Allāh sent torment, afflictions and punishment on them in this life, as well as the painful torment in the Hereafter, while saving His Messengers and believing servants.

Qur’an 6:12–16قُل لِّمَن مَّا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ قُل لِّلَّهِ كَتَبَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةَ لَيَجْمَعَنَّكُمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَلَهُۥ مَا سَكَنَ فِى ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ قُلْ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَتَّخِذُ وَلِيًّا فَاطِرِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَلَا يُطْعَمُ قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ مَّن يُصْرَفْ عَنْهُ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمَهُۥ وَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْمُبِينُ

«12. Say: "To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?" Say: "To Allāh." He has prescribed mercy for Himself. Indeed He will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. Those who destroy themselves will not believe.»

«13. And to Him belongs whatsoever exists in the night and the day, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing."»

«14. Say: "Shall I take as a guardian any other than Allāh, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? And it is He Who feeds but is not fed." Say: "Verily, I am commanded to be the first of those who submit. "And be not you of the idolators.»

«15. Say: "I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the torment of a Mighty Day."»

«16. Who is averted from (such a torment) on that Day; then He (Allāh) has surely been Merciful to him. And that would be the obvious success.»

Allāh is the Creator and the Sustainer

Allāh states that He is the King and Owner of the heavens and earth and all of what is in them, and that He has written mercy on His Most Honorable Self. It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs, that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ الله لَمَّا خَلَقَ الْخَلْقَ، كَتَبَ كِتَابًا عِنْدَهُ فَوْقَ الْعَرْشِ، إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي تَغْلِبُ غَضَبِي

«When Allāh created the creation, He wrote in a Book that He has with Him above the Throne; 'My mercy overcomes My anger.'»^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 13:395, Muslim 4:2107.} Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:12لَيَجْمَعَنَّكُمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ

«Indeed He will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt.» swearing by His Most Honored Self that He will gather His servants,

Qur’an 56:50إِلَىٰ مِيقَٰتِ يَوْمٍ مَّعْلُومٍ

«For appointed meeting of a known Day.» [56:50], the Day of Resurrection that will certainly occur, and there is no doubt for His believing servants in this fact. As for those who deny and refuse, they are in confusion and disarray. Allāh's statement,

Qur’anٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ

«Those who destroy themselves» on the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’anفَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«will not believe.» in the Return and thus do not fear the repercussions of that Day. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:13وَلَهُۥ مَا سَكَنَ فِى ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ

«And to Him belongs whatsoever exists in the night and the day.» meaning, all creatures in the heavens and earth are Allāh's servants and creatures, and they are all under His authority, power and will; there is no deity worthy of worship except Him,

Qur’anوَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

«and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.» He hears the statements of His servants and knows their actions, secrets and what they conceal. Allāh then said to His servant and Messenger Muḥammad ﷺ, whom He sent with the pure Tawḥīd and the straight religion, commanding him to call the people to Allāh's straight path;

Qur’an 6:14قُلْ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَتَّخِذُ وَلِيًّا فَاطِرِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ

«Say: "Shall I take as a guardian any other than Allāh, the Creator of the heavens and the earth?"» Similarly, Allāh said,

Qur’an 39:64قُلْ أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ تَأْمُرُوٓنِّىٓ أَعْبُدُ أَيُّهَا ٱلْجَٰهِلُونَ

«Say: "Do you order me to worship other than Allāh, O you fools?"» [39:64].

The meaning here is, I will not take a guardian except Allāh, without partners, for He is the Creator of the heavens and earth Who orignated them without precedent,

Qur’an 6:14وَهُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَلَا يُطْعَمُ

«And it is He Who feeds but is not fed.»

For He sustains His creatures without needing them. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 51:56وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

«And I created not the Jinn and humans except that they should worship Me (Alone).» [51:56]

Some scholars read it,

وَهُوَ يُطْعِمُ وَلَا يُطْعَمُ

"And it is He Who feeds but He does not eat." meaning, Allāh does not eat. Abu Hurayrah narrated, "A man from Al-Anṣār from the area of Qubā' invited the Prophet ﷺ to eat some food, and we went along with the Prophet ﷺ. When the Prophet ﷺ ate and washed his hands, he said,

Ḥadīthالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي يُطْعِمُ وَلَا يُطْعَمُ، وَمَنَّ عَلَيْنَا فَهَدَانَا وَأَطْعَمَنَا، وَسَقَانَا مِنَ الشَّرَابِ، وَكَسَانَا مِنَ الْعُرْيِ، وَكُلَّ بَلَاءٍ حَسَنٍ أَبْلَانَا، الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ غَيْرَ مُوَدَّعٍ رَبِّي وَلَا مُكَافَأً وَلَا مَكْفُورٍ، وَلَا مُسْتَغْنَى عَنْهُ، الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا مِنَ الطَّعَامِ، وَسَقَانَا مِنَ الشَّرَابِ، وَكَسَانَا مِنَ الْعُرْيِ، وَهَدَانَا مِنَ الضَّلَالِ، وَبَصَّرَنَا مِنَ الْعَمَى، وَفَضَّلَنَا عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقَ تَفْضِيلًا، الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

«All praise is due to Allāh, Who feeds but is never fed, He bestowed bounty unto us, Who gave us guidance and fed us, gave us something to drink, covered our nakedness; and for every favor He has given us. All praise is due to Allāh, praise that should not be neglected, my Lord, all the while affirming that we will never be able to duly thank Him; nor be appreciative enough of Him, nor be free of needing Him.

Qur’an 6:19–27قُلْ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَٰدَةً قُلِ ٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌۢ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخْرَىٰ قُل لَّآ أَشْهَدُ قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَعْرِفُونَهُۥ كَمَا يَعْرِفُونَ أَبْنَآءَهُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦٓ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَيْنَ شُرَكَآؤُكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ وَٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَذَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَسْتَمِعُ إِلَيْكَ وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُوكَ يُجَٰدِلُونَكَ يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ وَهُمْ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ وَيَنْـَٔوْنَ عَنْهُ وَإِن يُهْلِكُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ فَقَالُوا۟ يَٰلَيْتَنَا نُرَدُّ وَلَا نُكَذِّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

All thanks and praises are due to Allāh Who fed us the food, gave us the drink, covered our nudity, guided us from misguidance, gave us sight from blindness, and honored us above many of His creaturers. All praise is due to Allāh, Lord of all that exists."^{2An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā 6:82.}

Qur’an 6:14قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ

«Say: "Verily, I am commanded to be the first of those who submit themselves to Allāh as (Muslims)."» from this Ummah,

Qur’an 6:14–15وَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قُلْ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّى عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ

«And be not you of the idolaters. Say: "I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the torment of a Mighty Day."» [6:14-15], the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’an 6:16مَّن يُصْرَفْ عَنْهُ

«Who is averted from» such a torment,

Qur’an 6:16يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمَهُۥ

«on that Day, He has surely been Merciful to him» meaning, Allāh will have been merciful to him,

Qur’an 6:16وَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْمُبِينُ

«And that would be the obvious success.» Allāh also said,

Qur’an 3:185فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ

«And whoever is moved away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful.» [3:185],

success here indicates acquiring profit and negates loss.

Qur’an 6:17–21وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُۥٓ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَهُوَ ٱلْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِۦ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ قُلْ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَٰدَةً قُلِ ٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌۢ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخْرَىٰ قُل لَّآ أَشْهَدُ قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَعْرِفُونَهُۥ كَمَا يَعْرِفُونَ أَبْنَآءَهُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦٓ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

«17. And if Allāh touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is able to do all things.»

«18. And He is the Irresistible, above His servants, and He is the All-Wise, Well-Acquainted with all things.»

«19. Say: "What thing is the most great in witness?" Say: "Allāh is Witness between you and I; this Qur'ān has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach. Can you verily bear witness that besides Allāh there are other gods?" Say "I bear no (such) witness!" Say: "Only He is God, alone, and truly I am innocent of what you join in worship with Him."»

«20. Those to whom We have given the Scripture recognize him, as they recognize their own children. Those who have lost (destroyed) themselves will not believe.»

«21. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects His Āyāt? Verily, the wrongdoers shall never be successful.»

Allāh is the Irresistible, Able to Bring Benefit and Protect from Harm

Allāh states that He Alone brings benefit or harm, and that He does what He wills with His creatures, none can resist His judgment or prevent what He decrees,

Qur’an 6:17وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُۥٓ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

«And if Allāh touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is able to do all things.» Similarly, Allāh said,

Qur’an 35:2مَّا يَفْتَحِ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُۥ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ

«Whatever mercy, Allāh may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter» {35:2]. It is recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ used to supplicate,

Ḥadīthاللَّهُمَّ لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ، وَلَا يَنْفَعُ ذَا الْجَدِّ مِنْكَ الْجَدُّ

«O Allāh, there is none Who can avert what You grant or give what You deprive, and no fortune ever helps the fortunate against You.»^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 2:379.} This is why Allāh said,

Qur’anوَهُوَ ٱلْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِۦ

«And He is the Irresistible, above His servants,» meaning, to Him the necks are subservient, the tyrants humble before Him and He has complete control over all things. The creatures have all bowed to Allāh and are humbled before His grace, honor, pride, greatness, highness and ability over all things. The creatures are insignificant before Him, for they are all under His irresistible decision and power,

Qur’anوَهُوَ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

«and He is the All-Wise,» in all His actions,

Qur’anٱلْخَبِيرُ

«Well-Acquainted with all things.» Who places everything in its rightful place, grants and favors whomever deserves His favor. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:19قُلْ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَٰدَةً

«Say: "What thing is the most great in witness?"» or what is the greatest witness,

Qur’an 6:19قُلِ ٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌۢ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ

«Say: "Allāh (the Most Great!) is Witness between you and I"» for He knows what I brought you and what you will answer me with,

Qur’an 6:19وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ

«this Qur'ān has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach.» Therefore, this Qur'ān is a warner for all those who hear of it. In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 11:17وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلْأَحْزَابِ فَٱلنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُۥ

«But those of the sects that reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place.» [11:17] Ar-Rabī' bin Anas said, "Those who follow the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ ought to call to what the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ called to and warn against what he warned against." Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:19أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ

«"Can you verily bear witness..."» O idolators,

Qur’an 6:19أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخْرَىٰ قُل لَّآ أَشْهَدُ

«"that besides Allāh there are other gods?" Say, "I bear no (such) witness!"» Similarly, in another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:150فَإِن شَهِدُوا۟ فَلَا تَشْهَدْ مَعَهُمْ

«Then if they testify, testify not you with them.» [6:150] Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:19قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ

«Say: "Only He is God, alone, and truly I am innocent of what you join in worship with Him."» People of the Book Recognize the Prophet ﷺ Just as They Recognize Their Own Children

Allāh says, the People of the Book know what you brought them, O Muḥammad ﷺ, as they know their own children. This is because they received good news from the previous Messengers and Prophets about the coming of Muḥammad ﷺ, his attributes, homeland, his migration, and the description of his Ummah. Allāh said next,

Qur’anٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ

«Those who have lost (destroyed) themselves» and thus incurred the ultimate loss,

Qur’anفَهُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«will not believe.» in this clear matter. A matter about which the previous Prophets gave good news, and a matter extolled about in ancient and modern times. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:21وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦٓ

«And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects His Āyāt?»

meaning, there is no person more unjust than he who lies about Allāh and claims that Allāh has sent him, while Allāh did not send him. There is no person more unjust than he who denies Allāh's proofs, signs and evidences,

Qur’anإِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

«Verily, the wrongdoers shall never be successful.»

Surely, both of these people will never acquire success, whoever falsely [claims that Allāh sent him] and whoever refuses [Allāh's Āyāt].

Qur’an 6:22–26وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟ أَيْنَ شُرَكَآؤُكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ وَٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَذَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَسْتَمِعُ إِلَيْكَ وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُوكَ يُجَٰدِلُونَكَ يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ وَهُمْ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ وَيَنْـَٔوْنَ عَنْهُ وَإِن يُهْلِكُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«22. And on the Day when We shall gather them all together, We shall say to those who joined partners in worship (with Us): "Where are your partners (false deities) whom you used to assert (as partners in worship with Allāh)?"»

«23. There will then be (left) no Fitnah for them but to say: "By Allāh, our Lord, we were not those who joined others (in worship with Allāh)."»

«24. Look! How they lie against themselves! But the (lie) which they invented will disappear from them.»

«25. And of them there are some who listen to you; but We have set veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they see every one of the Āyāt they will not believe therein; to the point that when they come to you to argue with you, those who disbelieve say: "These are nothing but tales of the men of old."»

«26. And they prevent others from him and they themselves keep away from him, and (by doing so) they destroy none but themselves, yet they perceive (it) not.»

The Polythiests Shall be Questioned About the Shirk They Committed

About the polytheists, Allāh said:

Qur’an 6:22وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا

«And on the Day when We shall gather them all together,»

This is on the Day of Resurrection, when He will ask them about the idols and rivals that they worshipped instead of Him. Allāh will say to them,

Qur’an 6:22أَيْنَ شُرَكَآؤُكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

«Where are your partners (false deities) whom you used to assert (as partners in worship with Allāh)?»

Allāh said in Sūrat Al-Qaṣaṣ,

Qur’anوَيَوْمَ يُنَادِيهِمْ فَيَقُولُ أَيْنَ شُرَكَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

«And (remember) the Day when He will call to them, and say, "Where are My (so-called) partners whom you used to assert?"» [28:62]. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:23ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ

«There will then be (left) no Fitnah for them» means, argument. 'Aṭā' Al-Khurāsāni said that,

Qur’an 6:23ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ

«There will then be (left) no Fitnah for them» in the face of the affliction that will be placed on them,

Qur’an 6:23إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ وَٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ

«but to say: "By Allāh, our Lord, we were not those who joined others (in worship with Allāh)."»^^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:299.}

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:24ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَذَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«Look! How they lie against themselves! But the (lie) which they invented will disappear from them.»

which is similar to His other statement,

Qur’an 40:73–74ثُمَّ قِيلَ لَهُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ قَالُوا۟ ضَلُّوا۟ عَنَّا بَل لَّمْ نَكُن نَّدْعُوا۟ مِن قَبْلُ شَيْـًٔا كَذَٰلِكَ يُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

«Then it will be said to them: "Where are (all) those whom you used to join in worship as partners. Besides Allāh?" They will say, "They have vanished from us: Nay, we did not invoke (worship) anything before." Thus Allāh leads astray the disbelievers.» [40:73-74]

The Miserable Do Not Benefit from the Qur'ān

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:25وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَسْتَمِعُ إِلَيْكَ وَجَعَلْنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ أَكِنَّةً أَن يَفْقَهُوهُ وَفِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا وَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا

«And of them there are some who listen to you; but We have set veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they see every one of the Āyāt they will not believe therein;» means, they come to you, (O Muḥammad ﷺ), so that they hear you recite the Qur'ān, but its recitation does not benefit them, because Allāh has set veils on their hearts, and so they do not understand the Qur'ān,

Qur’an 6:25وَفِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَقْرًا

«and (set) deafness in their ears;» that prevents them from hearing what benefits them. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 2:171وَمَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى يَنْعِقُ بِمَا لَا يَسْمَعُ إِلَّا دُعَآءً وَنِدَآءً

«And the example of those who disbelieve, is as that of him who shouts at one who hears nothing but calls and cries.» [2:171]

Allāh said next,

Qur’anوَإِن يَرَوْا۟ كُلَّ ءَايَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَا

«if they see every one of the Āyāt they will not believe therein;» meaning, they will not believe in any of the Āyāt, proofs, clear evidences and signs they witness because they do not have sound comprehension or fair judgment. In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 8:23وَلَوْ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِمْ خَيْرًا لَّأَسْمَعَهُمْ

«Had Allāh known of any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen.» [8:23]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:25حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُوكَ يُجَٰدِلُونَكَ

«to the point that when they come to you to argue with you...»

using falsehood against truth,

Qur’an 6:25يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ

«those who disbelieve say: "These are nothing but tales of the men of old."»

The disbelievers say, what you (O Muḥammad ﷺ) brought us was taken from the books of those who were before us, meaning plagiarized,

Qur’an 6:26وَهُمْ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ وَيَنْـَٔوْنَ عَنْهُ

Qur’an 6:28–35بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَوْ رُدُّوا۟ لَعَادُوا۟ لِمَا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ وَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَبْعُوثِينَ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ هَٰذَا بِٱلْحَقِّ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّنَا قَالَ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ قَدْ خَسِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِلِقَآءِ ٱللَّهِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً قَالُوا۟ يَٰحَسْرَتَنَا عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطْنَا فِيهَا وَهُمْ يَحْمِلُونَ أَوْزَارَهُمْ عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِمْ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَلَلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيَحْزُنُكَ ٱلَّذِى يَقُولُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يُكَذِّبُونَكَ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ وَلَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَصَبَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا كُذِّبُوا۟ وَأُوذُوا۟ حَتَّىٰٓ أَتَىٰهُمْ نَصْرُنَا وَلَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَكَ مِن نَّبَإِى۟ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ وَإِن كَانَ كَبُرَ عَلَيْكَ إِعْرَاضُهُمْ فَإِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ أَن تَبْتَغِىَ نَفَقًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَوْ سُلَّمًا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتَأْتِيَهُم بِـَٔايَةٍ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَمَعَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْجَٰهِلِينَ

«And they prevent others from him and they themselves keep away from him,»

They discourage people from following the truth, believing in Muḥammad ﷺ and obeying the Qur'ān,

Qur’an 6:26وَيَنْـَٔوْنَ عَنْهُ

«and they themselves keep away from him,»

They thus combine both evil acts, for they neither benefit themselves, nor let others benefit from the Prophet ﷺ. 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah said that Ibn 'Abbās said that the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:26وَهُمْ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ

«And they prevent others from him.»

means, they hinder people from believing in Muḥammad ﷺ.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:311.} Muḥammad bin Al-Ḥanafiyyah said, "The disbelievers of Quraysh used to refrain from meeting Muḥammad ﷺ and they discouraged people from coming to him."^^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:311.} Similar was reported from Qatādah, Mujāhid and Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk and several others.^^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:312.}

Qur’an 6:26وَإِن يُهْلِكُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«and (by doing so) they destroy not but themselves, yet they perceive (it) not.» They destroy themselves by committing this evil action, and its harm will only touch them. Yet, they do not perceive this fact!

Qur’an 6:27–30وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ فَقَالُوا۟ يَٰلَيْتَنَا نُرَدُّ وَلَا نُكَذِّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَوْ رُدُّوا۟ لَعَادُوا۟ لِمَا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ وَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَبْعُوثِينَ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ قَالَ أَلَيْسَ هَٰذَا بِٱلْحَقِّ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّنَا قَالَ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ

«27. If you could but see when they will be held over the (Hell) Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back (to the world)! Then we would not deny the Āyāt of our Lord, and we would be of the believers!"»

«28. Nay, what they had been concealing before has become manifest to them. But if they were returned (to the world), they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars.»

«29. And they said: "There is no (other life) but our (present) life of this world, and never shall we be resurrected."»

«30. If you could but see when they will stand before their Lord! He will say: "Is not this the truth?" They will say: "Yes, by our Lord!" He will then say: "So taste you the torment because you used not to believe."»

Wishes and Hopes Do Not Help One When He Sees the Torment

Allāh mentions the condition of the disbelievers when they are made to stand before the Fire on the Day of Resurrection and witness its chains and restraints, along with seeing the horrible, momentous conditions in the Fire with their own eyes. This is when the disbelievers will say,

Qur’an 6:27يَٰلَيْتَنَا نُرَدُّ وَلَا نُكَذِّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

«"Would that we were but sent back (to the world)! Then we would not deny the Āyāt of our Lord, and we would be of the believers!"»

They wish that they would be sent back to the life of the world so that they could perform righteous deeds, refrain from disbelieving in the Āyāt of their Lord and be among the believers. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:28بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ

«Nay, what they had been concealing before has become manifest to them.»

meaning, the disbelief, denial and rebellion that they used to hide in their hearts will then be uncovered, even though they will try to hide this fact in this life and the Hereafter. Earlier, Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:23–24ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوا۟ وَٱللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَذَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«There will then be (left) no trial for them but to say: "By Allāh, our Lord, we were not those who joined others in worship with Allāh." Look! How they lie against themselves! But the (lie) which they invented will disappear from them.»

It is also possible that the meaning here is that the disbelievers will realize the truth that they knew all along in their hearts, that is, that what the Messengers brought them in this life is true, although they used to deny his Message before their followers. Allāh said that Mūsā said to Fir'awn,

Qur’an 17:102لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَآ أَنزَلَ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ إِلَّا رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ بَصَآئِرَ

«"Verily, you know that these signs have clearly been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence."» [17:102]

Allāh said about Fir'awn and his people,

Qur’an 27:14وَجَحَدُوا۟ بِهَا وَٱسْتَيْقَنَتْهَآ أَنفُسُهُمْ ظُلْمًا وَعُلُوًّا

«And they belied them (those Āyāt) wrongfully and arrogantly, though they were themselves convinced thereof.» [27:14]

Qur’an 6:28بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ

«Nay, it has become manifest to them what they had been concealing before.» [6:28]

When this occurs, and the disbelievers ask to be returned to this life, they will not do so because they truly wish to embrace the faith. Rather, they ask to be returned to this life for fear of the torment that they are witnessing before them, as punishment for the disbelief they committed, and to try and avoid the Fire that they see before their eyes.

Qur’an 6:28وَلَوْ رُدُّوا۟ لَعَادُوا۟ لِمَا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ

«But if they were returned, they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars.»

meaning, they lie when they say they wish to go back to this life so that they can embrace the faith. Allāh states that even if they were sent back to the life of this world, they will again commit the disbelief and defiance that they were prohibited.

Qur’an 6:28وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ

«And indeed they are liars.» in their statement that,

Qur’an 6:27–29يَٰلَيْتَنَا نُرَدُّ وَلَا نُكَذِّبَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّنَا وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ بَلْ بَدَا لَهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يُخْفُونَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَوْ رُدُّوا۟ لَعَادُوا۟ لِمَا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ وَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَبْعُوثِينَ

«"Would that we were but sent back! Then we would not deny the Āyāt of our Lord, and we would be of the believers!" Nay, what they had been concealing before has become manifest to them. But if they were returned, they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars. And they said: "There is no (other life) but our (present) life of this world, and never shall we be resurrected."»

Therefore, they will revert to their old behavior and say,

Qur’an 6:29إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنْيَا

«There is no life but our life of this world» and there is no Hereafter,

Qur’an 6:29وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَبْعُوثِينَ

«and never shall we be resurrected.» Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:30وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ وُقِفُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ

«If you could but see when they will stand before their Lord!» in front of Him,

Qur’an 6:30أَلَيْسَ هَٰذَا بِٱلْحَقِّ

«"Is not this the truth?"» meaning, is not Resurrection true, contarary to what you thought,

Qur’an 6:30قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّنَا قَالَ فَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ

«They will say: "Yes, by our Lord!" He will then say: "So taste you the torment because you used not to believe."»

and because you today denied Resurrection. Therefore, taste the torment,

Qur’an 52:15أَفَسِحْرٌ هَٰذَآ أَمْ أَنتُمْ لَا تُبْصِرُونَ

«"Is this magic, or do you not see?"» [52:15]

Qur’an 6:31–32قَدْ خَسِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِلِقَآءِ ٱللَّهِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً قَالُوا۟ يَٰحَسْرَتَنَا عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطْنَا فِيهَا وَهُمْ يَحْمِلُونَ أَوْزَارَهُمْ عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِمْ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَلَلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

«31. They indeed are losers who denied their meeting with Allāh, until all of a sudden, the Hour (signs of death) is upon them, and they say: "Alas for us that we gave no thought to it," while they will bear their burdens on their backs; and evil indeed are the burdens that they will bear!»

«32. And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the abode of the Hereafter for those have Taqwā. Will you not then understand?»

Allāh describes the regret of the disbelievers when facing Him, and their disappointment at the commencement, along with their sorrow for not performing good deeds and for their evil deeds. This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:31حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتْهُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً قَالُوا۟ يَٰحَسْرَتَنَا عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطْنَا فِيهَا

«until all of a sudden, the Hour (signs of death) is upon them, and they say: "Alas for us that we gave no thought to it."»

'It' here refers to either the life of this world, or the affairs of the Hereafter. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:31وَهُمْ يَحْمِلُونَ أَوْزَارَهُمْ عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِمْ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ

«while they will bear their burdens on their backs; and evil indeed are the burdens that they will bear!»

Asbāṭ said that As-Suddi said, "Upon entering his grave, every unjust person will meet a man with an ugly face, dark

Qur’an 6:36–44إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ وَٱلْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَادِرٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يُنَزِّلَ ءَايَةً وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَٰٓئِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا صُمٌّ وَبُكْمٌ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ مَن يَشَإِ ٱللَّهُ يُضْلِلْهُ وَمَن يَشَأْ يَجْعَلْهُ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ قُلْ أَرَءَيْتَكُمْ إِنْ أَتَىٰكُمْ عَذَابُ ٱللَّهِ أَوْ أَتَتْكُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ تَدْعُونَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ بَلْ إِيَّاهُ تَدْعُونَ فَيَكْشِفُ مَا تَدْعُونَ إِلَيْهِ إِن شَآءَ وَتَنسَوْنَ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَمٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ فَلَوْلَآ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا۟ وَلَٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَٰبَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُوا۟ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓا۟ أَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْلِسُونَ

skin, awful odor, wearing dirty clothes, who will enter his grave with him. When the unjust person sees him, he will say, 'How ugly is your face!' He will reply, 'So was your work, it was ugly.' The unjust person will say, 'How foul is the odor coming from you!' He will reply, 'Such was the case with your work, it stunk.' The unjust person will say, 'How dirty are your clothes!' He will reply, 'And your work too was dirty.' The unjust person will ask, 'Who are you?' He will reply, 'I am your deeds.' So he will remain with the unjust person in his grave, and when he is resurrected on the Day of Resurrection, his companion will say to him, 'In the life of the world, I used to carry you because you followed desire and lust. Today, you carry me.' So he will ride on the unjust person's back and lead him until he enters the Fire. So Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:31وَهُمْ يَحْمِلُونَ أَوْزَارَهُمْ عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِمْ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ

«while they will bear their burdens on their backs; and evil indeed are the burdens that they will bear!» [6:31]”^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:328.}

Allāh’s statement,

Qur’an 6:32وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ

«And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement.»

means, most of it is play and amusement,

Qur’an 6:32وَلَلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

«But far better is the abode of the Hereafter for those who have Taqwā. Will you not then understand?»

Qur’an 6:33–36قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيَحْزُنُكَ ٱلَّذِى يَقُولُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يُكَذِّبُونَكَ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ وَلَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَصَبَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا كُذِّبُوا۟ وَأُوذُوا۟ حَتَّىٰٓ أَتَىٰهُمْ نَصْرُنَا وَلَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَكَ مِن نَّبَإِى۟ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ وَإِن كَانَ كَبُرَ عَلَيْكَ إِعْرَاضُهُمْ فَإِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ أَن تَبْتَغِىَ نَفَقًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَوْ سُلَّمًا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتَأْتِيَهُم بِـَٔايَةٍ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَمَعَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْجَٰهِلِينَ إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ وَٱلْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

«33. We know indeed the grief which their words cause you; it is not you that they deny, but it is the verses of Allāh that the wrongdoers deny.»

«34. Verily, (many) Messengers were denied before you, but with patience they bore the denial, and they were hurt, till Our help reached them, and none can alter the Words of Allāh. Surely, there has reached you the information about the Messengers (before you).»

«35. If their aversion is hard on you, then if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the sky, so that you may bring them a sign. And had Allāh willed, He could have gathered them together upon true guidance, so be not you one of the ignorant.»

«36. It is only those who listen, that will respond, but as for the dead, Allāh will raise them up, then to Him they will be returned.»

Comforting the Prophet ﷺ

Allāh comforts the Prophet ﷺ in his grief over his people's denial and defiance of him,

Qur’an 6:33قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيَحْزُنُكَ ٱلَّذِى يَقُولُونَ

«We know indeed the grief which their words cause you;»

meaning, We know about their denial of you and your sadness and sorrow for them. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 35:8فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَٰتٍ

«So destroy not yourself in sorrow for them.» [35:8], and

Qur’an 26:3لَعَلَّكَ بَٰخِعٌ نَّفْسَكَ أَلَّا يَكُونُوا۟ مُؤْمِنِينَ

«It may be that you are going to kill yourself with grief, that they do not become believers.» [26:3], and,

Qur’an 18:6فَلَعَلَّكَ بَٰخِعٌ نَّفْسَكَ عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَٰرِهِمْ إِن لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ أَسَفًا

«Perhaps, you, would kill yourself in grief, over their footsteps (for their turning away from you), because they believe not in this narration.» [18:6]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:33فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يُكَذِّبُونَكَ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ

«it is not you that they deny, but it is the verses of Allāh that the wrongdoers deny.»

means, they do not accuse you of being a liar,

Qur’an 6:33وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ

«but it is the Verses of Allāh that the wrongdoers deny.»

It is only the truth that they reject and refuse. Muḥammad bin Isḥāq mentioned that Az-Zuhri said that Abu Jahl, Abu Sufyān Ṣakhr bin Ḥarb and Al-Akhnas bin Shurayq once came to listen to the Prophet ﷺ reciting the Qur'ān at night, but these three men were not aware of the presence of each other. So they listened to the Prophet's recitation until the morning, and then left. They met each other on their way back and each one of them asked the others, "What brought you?" So they mentioned to each other the reason why they came. They vowed not to repeat this incident so that the young men of Quraysh would not hear of what they did and imitate them. On the second night, each one of the three came back thinking that the other two would not come because of the vows they made to each other. In the morning, they again met each other on their way back and criticized each other, vowing not to repeat what they did. On the third night, they again went to listen to the Prophet ﷺ and in the morning they again vowed not to repeat this incident. During that day, Al-Akhnas bin Shurayq took his staff and went to Abu Sufyān bin Ḥarb in his house saying, "O Abu Ḥanẓalah! What is your opinion concerning what you heard from Muḥammad." Abu Sufyān said, "O Abu Tha'labah! By Allāh, I have heard some things that I recognize and know their implications. I also heard some things whose meaning and implications were unknown to me." Al-Akhnas said, "And I the same, by He Whom you swore by!" Al-Akhnas left Abu Sufyān and went to Abu Jahl and asked him, "O Abu Al-Ḥakam! What is your opinion about what you heard from Muḥammad." Abu Jahl said, "We competed with Bani 'Abd Manāf (the Prophet's subtribe) and so we fed as they fed and gave away as they gave away. So, when we were neck and neck with them, just as two horses in a race, they said, 'There is a Prophet from among us, to whom revelation from the heaven comes.' So how can we ever beat them at that? By Allāh we will never believe in him or accept what he says.' This is when Al-Akhnas left Abu Jahl and went away."^^{1Ibn Hishām 1:337, from the view of the chain of narrators, this story is not authentic.}

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:34وَلَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَصَبَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا كُذِّبُوا۟ وَأُوذُوا۟ حَتَّىٰٓ أَتَىٰهُمْ نَصْرُنَا

«Verily, (many) Messengers were denied before you, but with patience they bore the denial, and they were hurt, till Our help reached them,»

This comforts the Prophet's concern for those who denied and rejected him. Allāh also commands the Prophet ﷺ to be patient, just as the mighty Messengers before him were. He also promised him victory, just as the previous Messengers were victorious and the good end was theirs, after the denial and harm their people placed on them. Then, victory came to them in this life, just as victory is theirs in the Hereafter. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:34وَلَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ

«and none can alter the Words of Allāh.»

This refers to His decision that victory in this life and the Hereafter is for His believing servants. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 37:171–173وَلَقَدْ سَبَقَتْ كَلِمَتُنَا لِعِبَادِنَا ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ إِنَّهُمْ لَهُمُ ٱلْمَنصُورُونَ وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ ٱلْغَٰلِبُونَ

«And, verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for Our servants, the Messengers. That they verily would be made triumphant. And that Our hosts, they verily would be the victors.» [37:171-173], and,

Qur’an 58:21كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَغْلِبَنَّ أَنَا۠ وَرُسُلِىٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ

«Allāh has decreed: "Verily! It is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious." Verily, Allāh is All-Powerful, Almighty.» [58:21]

Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:34وَلَقَدْ جَآءَكَ مِن نَّبَإِى۟ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

«Surely, there has reached you the information about the Messengers (before you).»

who were given victory and prevailed over the people who rejected them. And you (O Muḥammad ﷺ), have a good example in them. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:35وَإِن كَانَ كَبُرَ عَلَيْكَ إِعْرَاضُهُمْ

«If their aversion is hard on you,» and you cannot be patient because of their aversion,

Qur’an 6:35فَإِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ أَن تَبْتَغِىَ نَفَقًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَوْ سُلَّمًا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«then if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the sky...»

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented, "If you were able to seek a tunnel and bring them an Āyah, or go up a ladder in the sky and bring a better Āyah than the one I (Allāh) gave them, then do that."^^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:338.} Similar was reported from Qatādah, As-Suddi and others.^^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:338.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:35وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَمَعَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْجَٰهِلِينَ

«And had Allāh willed, He could have gathered them together upon true guidance, so be not you one of the ignorant.»

is similar to His statement,

Qur’an 10:99وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ لَـَٔامَنَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ كُلُّهُمْ جَمِيعًا

«And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together»

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:35وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَمَعَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ

«And had Allāh willed, He could have gathered them together upon true guidance,»

"The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ was eager that all people believe and be guided to follow him. Allāh told him that only those whose happiness Allāh has written in the first Dhikr will believe."^^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:340. Meaning those He had decreed to believe.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:36إِنَّمَا يَسْتَجِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْمَعُونَ

«It is only those who listen, that will respond,»

means, only those who hear the speech, comprehend and understand it, will accept your call, O Muḥammad ﷺ! In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 36:70لِّيُنذِرَ مَن كَانَ حَيًّا وَيَحِقَّ ٱلْقَوْلُ عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

«That it may give warning to him who is living, and that the Word may be justified against the disbelievers.» [36:70].

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:36وَٱلْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

«but as for the dead, Allāh will raise them up, then to Him they will be returned.»

refers to the disbelievers because their hearts are dead. Therefore, Allāh resembled them to dead corpses as a way of mocking and belittling them, saying,

Qur’an 6:36وَٱلْمَوْتَىٰ يَبْعَثُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُونَ

«but as for the dead (disbelievers), Allāh will raise them up, then to Him they will be returned (for their recompense).»

Qur’an 6:37–39وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ قُلْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَادِرٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يُنَزِّلَ ءَايَةً وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَٰٓئِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا صُمٌّ وَبُكْمٌ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ مَن يَشَإِ ٱللَّهُ يُضْلِلْهُ وَمَن يَشَأْ يَجْعَلْهُ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«37. And they said: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "Allāh is certainly able to send down a sign, but most of them know not."»

«38. There is not a moving creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are Umam like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.»

«39. Those who reject Our Āyāt are deaf and dumb in darkness. Allāh sends astray whom He wills and He guides on the straight path whom He wills.»

The Idolators Ask for a Miracle

Allāh states that the idolators used to proclaim, "Why does not (Muḥammad) bring an Āyah from his Lord," meaning, a miracle of their choice! They would sometimes say,

Qur’an 17:90لَن نُّؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتَّىٰ تَفْجُرَ لَنَا مِنَ ٱلْأَرْضِ يَنۢبُوعًا

«"We shall not believe in you, until you cause a spring to gush forth from the ground for us."» [17:90].

Qur’an 6:37قُلْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَادِرٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يُنَزِّلَ ءَايَةً وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

«Say: "Allāh is certainly able to send down a sign, but most of them know not."»

Certainly, Allāh is able to send an Āyah (sign). But, He decided out of His wisdom to delay that, because if He sends an Āyah of their liking and they still do not believe, this will hasten their punishment as with the previous nations. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 17:59وَمَا مَنَعَنَآ أَن نُّرْسِلَ بِٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ إِلَّآ أَن كَذَّبَ بِهَا ٱلْأَوَّلُونَ وَءَاتَيْنَا ثَمُودَ ٱلنَّاقَةَ مُبْصِرَةً فَظَلَمُوا۟

Qur’an 17:59بِهَا وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ إِلَّا تَخْوِيفًا

«And nothing stops Us from sending the Āyāt but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the she-camel to Thamūd as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).» [17:59], and,

Qur’an 26:4إِن نَّشَأْ نُنَزِّلْ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ ءَايَةً فَظَلَّتْ أَعْنَٰقُهُمْ لَهَا خَٰضِعِينَ

«If We will, We could send down to them from the heaven a sign, to which they would bend their necks in humility» [26:4].

The Meaning of Umam

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:38وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَٰٓئِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم

«There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are Umam like you.»

Mujāhid commented, "Meaning, various species that have distinct names."^^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:345.} Qatādah said, "Birds are an Ummah, humans are an Ummah and the Jinns are an Ummah."^^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:345.} As-Suddi said that,

Qur’an 6:38إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم

«but are Umam like you.» means, creations (or species).^^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:345.}

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:38مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ

«We have neglected nothing in the Book,» means, the knowledge about all things is with Allāh, and He never forgets any of His creatures, nor their sustenance, nor their affairs, whether these creatures live in the sea or on land. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 11:6وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا كُلٌّ فِى كِتَٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ

«And no moving creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allāh. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus, grave, etc.). All is in a Clear Book.» [11:6],

there is a record of their names, numbers, movements, and lack of movement. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 29:60وَكَأَيِّن مِّن دَآبَّةٍ لَّا تَحْمِلُ رِزْقَهَا ٱللَّهُ يَرْزُقُهَا وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

«And so many a moving creature there is, that carries not its own provision! Allāh provides for it and for you. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.» [29:60]

Ibn Abi Ḥātim reported that Ibn 'Abbās said about the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:38ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ

«then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.»

"Death gathers them."^{4Ibn Abi Ḥātim 4:1286.} It was also said that the Day of Resurrection gathers them, for in another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 81:5وَإِذَا ٱلْوُحُوشُ حُشِرَتْ

«And when the wild beasts shall be gathered together.» [81:5]

'Abdur-Razzāq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said about Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:38إِلَّآ أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم مَّا فَرَّطْنَا فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن شَىْءٍ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يُحْشَرُونَ

«but are Umam like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.»

"All creatures will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection, the beasts, birds and all others. Allāh's justice will be so perfect, that the un-horned sheep will receive retribution from the horned sheep. Allāh will then command them, 'Be dust!' This is when the disbeliever will say,

Qur’an 78:40يَٰلَيْتَنِى كُنتُ تُرَٰبًۢا

«"Woe to me! Would that I were dust!"»"[78:40].^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:347.}

And this was reported from the Prophet ﷺ in the Ḥadīth about the Trumpet.

The Disbelievers will be Deaf and Mute in Darkness

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:39وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا صُمٌّ وَبُكْمٌ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ

«Those who reject Our Āyāt are deaf and dumb in darkness.»

due to their ignorance, little knowledge and minute comprehension. Their example is that of the deaf-mute who cannot hear nor speak, as well as being blinded by darkness. Therefore, how can such a person find guidance to the path or change the condition he is in? Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 2:17–18مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا فَلَمَّآ أَضَآءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُۥ ذَهَبَ ٱللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِى ظُلُمَٰتٍ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ صُمٌّۢ بُكْمٌ عُمْىٌ فَهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ

«Their parable is that of one who kindled a fire; then, when it illuminated all around him, Allāh took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the right path)» [2:17-18], and,

Qur’an 24:40أَوْ كَظُلُمَٰتٍ فِى بَحْرٍ لُّجِّىٍّ يَغْشَىٰهُ مَوْجٌ مِّن فَوْقِهِۦ مَوْجٌ مِّن فَوْقِهِۦ سَحَابٌ ظُلُمَٰتٌۢ بَعْضُهَا فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ إِذَآ أَخْرَجَ يَدَهُۥ لَمْ يَكَدْ يَرَىٰهَا وَمَن لَّمْ يَجْعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُۥ نُورًا فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن نُّورٍ

«Or like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another, if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allāh has not appointed light, for him there is no light.» [24:40]

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:39مَن يَشَإِ ٱللَّهُ يُضْلِلْهُ وَمَن يَشَأْ يَجْعَلْهُ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«Allāh sends astray whom He wills and He guides on the straight path whom He wills.»

for He does what He wills with His creatures.

Qur’an 6:40–44قُلْ أَرَءَيْتَكُمْ إِنْ أَتَىٰكُمْ عَذَابُ ٱللَّهِ أَوْ أَتَتْكُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ تَدْعُونَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ بَلْ إِيَّاهُ تَدْعُونَ فَيَكْشِفُ مَا تَدْعُونَ إِلَيْهِ إِن شَآءَ وَتَنسَوْنَ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَمٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ فَلَوْلَآ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا۟ وَلَٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا

Qur’an 6:45–52فَقُطِعَ دَابِرُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ وَٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ سَمْعَكُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَكُمْ وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُم مَّنْ إِلَٰهٌ غَيْرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِهِ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ ثُمَّ هُمْ يَصْدِفُونَ قُلْ أَرَءَيْتَكُمْ إِنْ أَتَىٰكُمْ عَذَابُ ٱللَّهِ بَغْتَةً أَوْ جَهْرَةً هَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ وَمَا نُرْسِلُ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ فَمَنْ ءَامَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَمَسُّهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ قُل لَّآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِندِى خَزَآئِنُ ٱللَّهِ وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ ٱلْغَيْبَ وَلَآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ إِنِّى مَلَكٌ إِنْ أَتَّبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ أَفَلَا تَتَفَكَّرُونَ وَأَنذِرْ بِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ أَن يُحْشَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ لَيْسَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ وَلَا تَطْرُدِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ مَا عَلَيْكَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ وَمَا مِنْ حِسَابِكَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَتَطْرُدَهُمْ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

Qur’an 6:44–45ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَٰبَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُوا۟ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓا۟ أَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْلِسُونَ فَقُطِعَ دَابِرُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ وَٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«40. Say: "Tell me if Allāh's torment comes upon you, or the Hour comes upon you, would you then call upon any one other than Allāh? (Reply) if you are truthful!"» «41. Nay! To Him alone you call, and, if He willed, He would remove that (distress) for which you call upon Him, and you forget at that time whatever partners you joined with Him (in worship)!»

«42. Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you. And We seized them with extreme poverty and loss of health so that they might believe with humility.»

«43. When Our torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shayṭān made fair-seeming to them that which they used to do.»

«44. So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.» «45. So the roots of the people who did wrong were cut off. And all the praises and thanks be to Allāh, the Lord of the all that exists.»

The Idolators Call On Allāh Alone During Torment and Distress

Allāh states that He does what He wills with His creatures and none can resist His decision or avert what He decrees for them. He is the One Who has no partners, Who accepts the supplication from whomever He wills. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:40قُلْ أَرَءَيْتَكُمْ إِنْ أَتَىٰكُمْ عَذَابُ ٱللَّهِ أَوْ أَتَتْكُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ أَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ تَدْعُونَ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

«Say: "Tell me if Allāh's torment comes upon you, or the Hour comes upon you, would you then call upon any one other than Allāh? (Reply) if you are truthful!"»

This means, you - disbelievers - will not call other than Allāh in this case, because you know that none except He is able to remove the affliction. Allāh said,

Qur’anإِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

«if you are truthful?» by taking gods besides Him.

Qur’an 6:41بَلْ إِيَّاهُ تَدْعُونَ فَيَكْشِفُ مَا تَدْعُونَ إِلَيْهِ إِن شَآءَ وَتَنسَوْنَ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ

«Nay! To Him alone you call, and, if He willed, He would remove that (distress) for which you call upon Him, and you forget at that time whatever partners you joined with Him (in worship)!»

for in times of necessity, you only call on Allāh and forget your idols and false deities. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 17:67وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَن تَدْعُونَ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ

«And when harm touches you upon the sea, those that you call upon besides Him vanish from you except Him (Allāh)» [17:67].

Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:42وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَمٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِٱلْبَأْسَآءِ

«Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you. And We seized them with extreme poverty...» That is, loss of wealth and diminished provisions,

Qur’anوَٱلضَّرَّآءِ

«and loss of health» various illnesses, diseases and pain,

Qur’an 6:42لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ

«so that they might believe with humility»

and call Allāh and supplicate to Him with humbleness and humility. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:43فَلَوْلَآ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا۟

«When Our torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility?»

Meaning: Why do they not believe and humble themselves before Us when We test them with disaster?'

Qur’an 6:43وَلَٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ

«But their hearts became hardened,» for their hearts are not soft or humble,

Qur’an 6:43وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«and Shayṭān made fair-seeming to them that which they used to do.»

That is, Shirk, defiance and rebellion.

Qur’an 6:44فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦ

«So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded,»

by ignoring and turning away from it,

Qur’an 6:44فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَٰبَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ

«We opened to them the gates of everything,»

Meaning: 'We opened the gates of provisions for them from wherever they wished, so that We deceive them.' We seek refuge with Allāh from such an end. This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:44حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُوا۟ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓا۟

«until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given,» such as wealth, children and provisions,

Qur’an 6:44أَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْلِسُونَ

«all of a sudden, We took them to punishment and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.»

They have no hope for any type of good thing. Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri said, "Whomever Allāh gives provision and he thinks that Allāh is not testing him, has no wisdom. Whomever has little provision and thinks that Allāh will not look at (provide for) him, has no wisdom." He then recited the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:44فَلَمَّا نَسُوا۟ مَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِهِۦ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَٰبَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَرِحُوا۟ بِمَآ أُوتُوٓا۟ أَخَذْنَٰهُم بَغْتَةً فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْلِسُونَ

«So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.»

He added, "By the Lord of the Ka'bah! Allāh deceived these people, when He gave them what they wished, and then they were punished." Ibn Abi Ḥātim recorded this statement.^{1Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:270, Ibn Abi Ḥātim 4:1291.}

Qur’an 6:46–49قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ سَمْعَكُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَكُمْ وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُم مَّنْ إِلَٰهٌ غَيْرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِهِ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ ثُمَّ هُمْ يَصْدِفُونَ قُلْ أَرَءَيْتَكُمْ إِنْ أَتَىٰكُمْ عَذَابُ ٱللَّهِ بَغْتَةً أَوْ جَهْرَةً هَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ وَمَا نُرْسِلُ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ فَمَنْ ءَامَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَمَسُّهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ

«46. Say: "Tell me, if Allāh took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, is there a god other than Allāh who could restore them to you?" See how variously We explain the Āyāt, yet they turn aside.»

«47. Say: "Tell me, if the punishment of Allāh comes to you suddenly, or openly, will any be destroyed except the wrongdoing people?"» «48. And We send not the Messengers but as givers of glad tidings and as warners. So whosoever believes and does righteous good deeds, upon such shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve.»

«49. But those who reject Our Āyāt, the torment will strike them for their rebelling.»

Allāh said to His Messenger, say,, O Muḥammad ﷺ, to those rebellious liars,

Qur’an 6:46أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَخَذَ ٱللَّهُ سَمْعَكُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَكُمْ

«Tell me, if Allāh took away your hearing and your sight.»

just as He gave these senses to you. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 67:23هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَكُمْ وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ

«It is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing, seeing.» [67:23].

The Āyah above might also mean that Allāh will not allow the disbelievers to benefit from these senses in religious terms. This is why He said next,

Qur’an 6:46وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُم

«and sealed up your hearts,.» He also said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 10:31أَمَّن يَمْلِكُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ

«Or who owns hearing and sight? [10:31], and,

Qur’an 8:24وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ ٱلْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِۦ

«And know that Allāh comes in between a person and his heart.» Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:46مَّنْ إِلَٰهٌ غَيْرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِهِ

«Is there a god other than Allāh who could restore them to you?»

Meaning, is there anyone except Allāh who is able to give you back these senses if Allāh took them from you? Only Allāh is able to do so, and this is why He said here,

Qur’anٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ

«See how variously We explain the Āyāt,»

and make them plain and clear, testifying to Allāh's Oneness in lordship and that those worshipped besides Him are all false and unworthy.

Qur’an 6:46ثُمَّ هُمْ يَصْدِفُونَ

«yet they turn aside.» After this explanation, they still turn away from the truth and hinder people from following it. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:47قُلْ أَرَءَيْتَكُمْ إِنْ أَتَىٰكُمْ عَذَابُ ٱللَّهِ بَغْتَةً

«Say: "Tell me, if the punishment of Allāh comes to you suddenly..."»

means, while you are unaware - or during the night - striking you all of a sudden,

Qur’an 6:47أَوْ جَهْرَةً

«or openly» during the day, or publicly,

Qur’an 6:47هَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

«will any be destroyed except the wrongdoing people?»

This torment only strikes those who commit injustice against themselves by associating others with Allāh, while those who worship Allāh alone without partners will be saved from it, and they will have no fear or sorrow. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:82ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ

«It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Ẓulm, (wrong or Shirk).» [6:82]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:48وَمَا نُرْسِلُ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ

«And We send not the Messengers but as bearers of glad tidings and as warners.»

means, the Messengers bring good news to Allāh's servants, as well as, command all that is good and righteous. They also warn those who disbelieve in Allāh of His anger and of all types of torment. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:48فَمَنْ ءَامَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ

Qur’an 6:53–59وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لِّيَقُولُوٓا۟ أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنۢ بَيْنِنَآ أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَعْلَمَ بِٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ وَإِذَا جَآءَكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَقُلْ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ كَتَبَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةَ أَنَّهُۥ مَنْ عَمِلَ مِنكُمْ سُوٓءًۢا بِجَهَٰلَةٍ ثُمَّ تَابَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَنَّهُۥ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ قُلْ إِنِّى نُهِيتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ ٱلَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ قُل لَّآ أَتَّبِعُ أَهْوَآءَكُمْ قَدْ ضَلَلْتُ إِذًا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ قُلْ إِنِّى عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّى وَكَذَّبْتُم بِهِۦ مَا عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦٓ إِنِ ٱلْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ يَقُصُّ ٱلْحَقَّ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَٰصِلِينَ قُل لَّوْ أَنَّ عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦ لَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ وَعِندَهُۥ مَفَاتِحُ ٱلْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَآ إِلَّا هُوَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِى كِتَٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ

«So whosoever believes and does righteous good deeds.» meaning, whoever believes in his heart with what the Messengers were sent with and makes his works righteous by imitating them;

Qur’anفَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ

«upon such shall come no fear,» concerning the future,

Qur’anوَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

«nor shall they grieve.» about what they missed in the past and left behind them in this world. Certainly, Allāh will be the Walī and Protector over what they left behind. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:49وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَمَسُّهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْسُقُونَ

«But those who reject Our Āyāt, the torment will strike them for their rebelling.»

The torment will strike them because of disbelieving in the Message of the Messengers, defying Allāh's commands, committing what He prohibited and transgressing His set limits.

Qur’an 6:50–52قُل لَّآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِندِى خَزَآئِنُ ٱللَّهِ وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ ٱلْغَيْبَ وَلَآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ إِنِّى مَلَكٌ إِنْ أَتَّبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ أَفَلَا تَتَفَكَّرُونَ وَأَنذِرْ بِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ أَن يُحْشَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ لَيْسَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ وَلَا تَطْرُدِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ مَا عَلَيْكَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ وَمَا مِنْ حِسَابِكَ

Qur’an 6:52–54عَلَيْهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَتَطْرُدَهُمْ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لِّيَقُولُوٓا۟ أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنۢ بَيْنِنَآ أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَعْلَمَ بِٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ وَإِذَا جَآءَكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَقُلْ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ كَتَبَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةَ أَنَّهُۥ مَنْ عَمِلَ مِنكُمْ سُوٓءًۢا بِجَهَٰلَةٍ ثُمَّ تَابَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَنَّهُۥ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«50. Say: "I don't tell you that with me are the treasures of Allāh, nor (that) I know the Unseen; nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me." Say: "Are the blind and the one who sees equal? Will you not then consider?"»

«51. And warn therewith those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord, when there will be neither a protector nor an intercessor for them besides Him, so that they may have Taqwā.»

«52. And turn not away those who invoke their Lord, morning and evening seeking His Face. You are accountable for them in nothing, and they are accountable for you in nothing, that you may turn them away, and thus become of the wrongdoers.»

«53. Thus We have tried some of them with others, that they might say: "Is it these (poor believers) that Allāh has favored from amongst us?" Does not Allāh know best those who are grateful?»

«54. When those who believe in Our Āyāt come to you, say: "Salāmun 'Alaykum" (peace be on you); your Lord has written mercy for Himself, so that, if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds, then surely, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

The Messenger Neither has the Key to Allāh's Treasures, Nor Knows the Unseen

Allāh said to His Messenger ﷺ,

Qur’an 6:50قُل لَّآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِندِى خَزَآئِنُ ٱللَّهِ

«Say: "I don't tell you that with me are the treasures of Allāh."»

meaning, I do not own Allāh's treasures or have any power over them,

Qur’an 6:50وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ ٱلْغَيْبَ

«nor (that) I know the Unseen,» and I do not say that I know the Unseen, because its knowledge is with Allāh and I only know what He conveys of it to me.

Qur’an 6:50وَلَآ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ إِنِّى مَلَكٌ

«nor I tell you that I am an angel.»

meaning, I do not claim that I am an angel. I am only a human to whom Allāh sends revelation, and He honored me with this duty and favored me with it.

Qur’an 6:50إِنْ أَتَّبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ

«I but follow what is revealed to me.» and I never disobey the revelation in the least.

Qur’an 6:50قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ

«Say: "Are the blind and the one who sees equal?"»

meaning, 'Is the one who is guided, following the truth, equal to the one misled?'

Qur’an 6:50أَفَلَا تَتَفَكَّرُونَ

«Will you not then consider?» In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 13:19أَفَمَن يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ ٱلْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَىٰٓ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ

«Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed.» [13:19]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:51وَأَنذِرْ بِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ أَن يُحْشَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ لَيْسَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ

«And warn therewith those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord, when there will be neither a protector nor an intercessor for them besides Him,»

means, warn with this Qur'ān, O Muḥammad ﷺ,

Qur’an 23:57ٱلَّذِينَ هُم مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ رَبِّهِم مُّشْفِقُونَ

«Those who live in awe for fear of their Lord» [23:57], who, يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ وَيَخَافُونَ سُوٓءَ ٱلْحِسَابِ

«Fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning.» [13:21],

Qur’an 6:51ٱلَّذِينَ يَخَافُونَ أَن يُحْشَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ

«those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord,» on the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’an 6:51لَيْسَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ

«when there will be neither a protector nor an intercessor for them besides Him,»

for on that Day, they will have no relative or intercessor who can prevent His torment if He decides to punish them with it,

Qur’anلَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

«so that they may have Taqwā.» Therefore, warn of the Day when there will be no judge except Allāh,

Qur’anلَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

«so that they may have Taqwā.» and thus work good deeds in this life, so that their good deeds may save them on the Day of Resurrection from Allāh's torment, and so that He will grant them multiple rewards.

Prohibiting the Messenger from Turning the Weak Away and the Order to Honor Them

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:52وَلَا تَطْرُدِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ

«And turn not away those who invoke their Lord, morning and evening seeking His Face.»

meaning, do not turn away those who have these qualities, instead make them your companions and associates. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 18:28وَٱصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ وَلَا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَلَا تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُۥ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُۥ فُرُطًا

«And keep yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost.»[18:28]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:52يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم

«invoke their Lord...» refers to those who worship Him and supplicate to Him,

Qur’anبِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ

«morning and evening.» referring to the obligatory prayers, according to Sa‘īd bin Al-Musayyib, Mujāhid, Al-Ḥasan and Qatādah. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 40:60وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ٱدْعُونِىٓ أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ

«And your Lord said, "Invoke Me, I will respond (to your invocation)."» [40:60],

I will accept your supplication. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:52يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ

«seeking His Face.» meaning, they seek Allāh's Most Generous Face, by sincerity for Him in the acts of worship and obedience they perform. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:52مَا عَلَيْكَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ وَمَا مِنْ حِسَابِكَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ

«You are accountable for them in nothing, and they are accountable for you in nothing,»

This is similar to the answer Nūḥ gave to his people when they said,

Qur’an 26:111أَنُؤْمِنُ لَكَ وَٱتَّبَعَكَ ٱلْأَرْذَلُونَ

«Shall we believe in you, when the meekest (of the people) follow you?"» [26:111].

Nūḥ answered them,

Qur’an 26:112–113وَمَا عِلْمِى بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ إِنْ حِسَابُهُمْ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ رَبِّى لَوْ تَشْعُرُونَ

«And what knowledge have I of what they used to do? Their account is only with my Lord, if you could (but) know.» [26:112-113],

meaning, their reckoning is for Allāh not me, just as my reckoning is not up to them. Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:52فَتَطْرُدَهُمْ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«that you may turn them away, and thus become of the wrongdoers.»

meaning, you will be unjust if you turn them away.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:53وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ

«Thus We have tried some of them with others»

means, We tested, tried and checked them with each other,

Qur’an 6:53لِّيَقُولُوٓا۟ أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنۢ بَيْنِنَآ

«That they might say: "Is it these (poor believers) that Allāh has favored from amongst us?"»

This is because at first, most of those who followed the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ were the weak among the people, men, women, slaves, and only a few chiefs or noted men followed him. Nūḥ, was also addressed by his people

Qur’an 11:27وَمَا نَرَىٰكَ ٱتَّبَعَكَ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ أَرَاذِلُنَا بَادِىَ ٱلرَّأْىِ

«Nor do we see any follow you but the meekest among us and they (too) followed you without thinking.» [11:27]

Heraclius, emperor of Rome, asked Abu Sufyān, "Do the noblemen or the weak among people follow him (Muḥammad ﷺ)?" Abu Sufyān replied, "Rather the weak among them." Heraclius commented, "Such is the case with followers of the Messengers."

The idolators of Quraysh used to mock the weak among them who believed in the Prophet ﷺ and they even tortured some of them. They used to say, "Are these the ones whom Allāh favored above us?," meaning, Allāh would not guide these people, instead of us, to all that is good, if indeed what they embraced is good. Allāh mentioned similar statements in the Qur'ān from the disbelievers,

Qur’an 46:11لَوْ كَانَ خَيْرًا مَّا سَبَقُونَآ إِلَيْهِ

«Had it been a good thing, they (weak and poor) would not have preceded us to it!» [46:11], and,

Qur’an 19:73وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُنَا بَيِّنَٰتٍ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ خَيْرٌ مَّقَامًا وَأَحْسَنُ نَدِيًّا

«And when Our clear verses are recited to them, those who disbelieve say to those who believe: "Which of the two groups is best in position and station."» [19:73]

Allāh said in reply,

Qur’an 19:74وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَحْسَنُ أَثَٰثًا وَرِءْيًا

«And how many a generation (past nations) have We destroyed before them, who were better in wealth, goods and outward appearance?» [19:74].

Here, Allāh answered the disbelievers when they said,

Qur’an 6:53أَهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنۢ بَيْنِنَآ أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَعْلَمَ بِٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

«"Is it these (poor believers) that Allāh has favored from amongst us?" Does not Allāh know best those who are grateful?»

Meaning is not Allāh more knowledgeable of those who thank and appreciate Him in statement, action and heart? Thus Allāh directs these believers to the ways of peace, transfers them from darkness to light by His leave, and guides them to the straight path. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 29:69وَٱلَّذِينَ جَٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

«As for those who strive hard for Us (Our cause), We will surely guide them to Our paths (i.e. Allāh's religion). And verily, Allāh is with the doers of good"» [29:69].

An authentic Ḥadīth states,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ اللهَ لَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَىٰ صُوَرِكُمْ وَلَا إِلَىٰ أَلْوَانِكُمْ، وَلَكِنْ يَنْظُرُ إِلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُمْ وَأَعْمَالِكُمْ

«Allāh does not look at your shapes or colors, but He looks at your heart and actions.»^{1Muslim 4: 1987.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:54وَإِذَا جَآءَكَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا فَقُلْ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ

«When those who believe in Our Āyāt come to you, say: "Salāmun 'Alaykum" (peace be on you);»

means, honor them by returning the Salām and give them the good news of Allāh's exclusive, encompassing mercy for them. So Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:54كَتَبَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةَ

«your Lord has written Mercy for Himself,»

meaning, He has obliged His Most Honored Self to grant mercy, as a favor, out of His compassion and beneficence,

Qur’an 6:54أَنَّهُۥ مَنْ عَمِلَ مِنكُمْ سُوٓءًۢا بِجَهَٰلَةٍ

«So that, if any of you does evil in ignorance...»

as every person who disobeys Allāh does it in ignorance,

Qur’an 6:54ثُمَّ تَابَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَأَصْلَحَ

«and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds,»

by repenting from the sins that he committed, intending not to repeat the sin in the future, but to perform righteous deeds,

Qur’an 6:54فَأَنَّهُۥ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«then surely, He is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.»

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَمَّا قَضَى اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ كَتَبَ فِي كِتَابٍ فَهُوَ عِنْدَهُ فَوْقَ الْعَرْشِ: إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي غَلَبَتْ غَضَبِي

«When Allāh finished with the creation, He wrote in a Book that He has with Him above the Throne, 'My mercy prevails over My anger'.»^{2Aḥmad 2:313.}

This Ḥadīth was also recorded in the The Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{3Fatḥ Al-Bāri 13:395, Muslim 4: 2107.}

Qur’an 6:55–56وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ قُلْ إِنِّى نُهِيتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ ٱلَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ

Qur’an 6:56–59مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ قُل لَّآ أَتَّبِعُ أَهْوَآءَكُمْ قَدْ ضَلَلْتُ إِذًا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ قُلْ إِنِّى عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّى وَكَذَّبْتُم بِهِۦ مَا عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦٓ إِنِ ٱلْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ يَقُصُّ ٱلْحَقَّ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَٰصِلِينَ قُل لَّوْ أَنَّ عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦ لَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ وَعِندَهُۥ مَفَاتِحُ ٱلْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَآ إِلَّا هُوَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِى كِتَٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ

«55. And thus do We explain the Āyāt in detail, that the way of the criminals, may become manifest.»

«56. Say: "I have been forbidden to worship those whom you invoke (worship) besides Allāh." Say: "I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would go astray, and I would not be one of the rightly guided."»

«57. Say: "I am on clear proof from my Lord, but you deny it. I do not have what you are hastily seeking (the torment). The decision is only for Allāh, He declares the truth, and He is the best of judges."»

«58. Say: "If I had that which you are asking for impatiently (the torment), the matter would have been settled at once between you and I, but Allāh knows best the wrongdoers."»

«59. And with Him are the keys of the Ghayb (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is on the land and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record.»

The Prophet ﷺ Understands What He Conveys; Torment is in Allāh's Hands Not the Prophet's

Allāh says, just as We mentioned the clear signs that testify and direct to the path of guidance, all the while chastising useless arguments and defiance,

Qur’an 7:32كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ

«And thus do We explain the Āyāt in detail,»

that is, whatever responsible adults need explained to them, in the affairs of life and religion,

Qur’an 6:55وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«That the way of the criminals may become manifest.»

so that the path of the criminals who defy the Prophets is apparent and clear. This Āyah was also said to mean, so that you, O Muḥammad ﷺ, are aware of the path of the criminals. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:57قُلْ إِنِّى عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّى

«Say: "I am on clear proof from my Lord..."»

means: I have a clear understanding of the Law of Allāh that He has revealed to me,

Qur’an 6:57وَكَذَّبْتُم بِهِۦ

«but you deny it.» meaning, but you disbelieve in the truth that came to me from Allāh.

Qur’an 6:57مَا عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦٓ

«I do not have what you are hastily seeking» meaning, the torment,

Qur’an 6:57إِنِ ٱلْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ

«The decision is only for Allāh,» for the ruling of this is with Allāh. If He wills, He will punish you soon in response to your wish! If He wills, He will give you respite, out of His great wisdom. This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:57يَقُصُّ ٱلْحَقَّ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَٰصِلِينَ

«He declares the truth, and He is the best of judges.» and the best in reckoning between His servants. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:58قُل لَّوْ أَنَّ عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦ لَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ

«Say: "If I had that which you are asking for impatiently (the torment), the matter would have been settled at once between you and I,"»

means, if I have what you ask for, I will surely send down what you deserve of it,

Qur’an 6:58وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«but Allāh knows best the wrongdoers» Someone might ask about the meaning of this Āyah compared to the Ḥadīth in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs, from 'Ā'ishah, may Allāh be pleased with her, that she said to the Messenger, "O Allāh's Messenger ﷺ! Have you encountered a day harder than the day (of the battle) of Uḥud?" The Prophet ﷺ replied,

Ḥadīthلَقَدْ لَقِيتُ مِنْ قَوْمِكِ، وَكَانَ أَشَدَّ مَا لَقِيتُ مِنْهُمْ يَوْمَ الْعَقَبَةِ، إِذْ عَرَضْتُ نَفْسِي عَلَى ابْنِ عَبْدِ يَالِيلَ بْنِ عَبْدِ كُلَالٍ، فَلَمْ يُجِبْنِي إِلَى مَا أَرَدْتُ، فَانْطَلَقْتُ وَأَنَا مَهْمُومٌ عَلَى وَجْهِي، فَلَمْ أَسْتَفِقْ إِلَّا بِقَرْنِ الثَّعَالِبِ، فَرَفَعْتُ رَأْسِي، فَإِذَا أَنَا بِسَحَابَةٍ قَدْ ظَلَّلَتْنِي، فَنَظَرْتُ فَإِذَا فِيهَا جِبْرِيلُ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ، فَنَادَانِي فَقَالَ: إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ سَمِعَ قَوْلَ قَوْمِكَ لَكَ، وَمَا رَدُّوا عَلَيْكَ، وَقَدْ بَعَثَ إِلَيْكَ مَلَكَ الْجِبَالِ، لِتَأْمُرَهُ بِمَا شِئْتَ فِيهِمْ، قَالَ: فَنَادَانِي مَلَكُ الْجِبَالِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَيَّ، ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا مُحَمَّدُ! إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ سَمِعَ قَوْلَ قَوْمِكَ لَكَ، وَقَدْ بَعَثَنِي رَبُّكَ إِلَيْكَ، لِتَأْمُرَنِي بِأَمْرِكَ فِيمَا شِئْتَ، إِنْ شِئْتَ أَطْبَقْتُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَخْشَبَيْنِ

فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:

Ḥadīthبَلْ أَرْجُو أَنْ يُخْرِجَ اللَّهُ مِنْ أَصْلَابِهِمْ، مَنْ يَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ لَا يُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا

«Your people have troubled me alot and the worst trouble was on the day of 'Aqabah when I presented myself to Ibn 'Abd Yālīl bin 'Abd Kulāl, who did not respond to my call. So I departed, overwhelmed with severe sorrow, proceeded on and could not relax until I found myself at Qarn Ath-Tha'ālib where I raised my head towards the sky to see a cloud unexpectedly shading me. I looked up and saw Jibrīl in it and he called me saying, 'Indeed Allāh has heard what you said to the people and what they have responded to you. Therefore, Allāh has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, 'O Muḥammad! verily, Allāh has heard how your people responded to you and He has sent me to you so that you could order me to do what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akhshabayn (two mountains to the north and south of Makkah) fall on them.' The Prophet ﷺ said, No, but I hope that Allāh will let them generate offspring who will worship Allāh Alone, and will worship none besides Him.»^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:360, Muslim 3: 1420.} This is the wording of Muslim. Tormenting the disbelievers of Quraysh was offered to the Prophet ﷺ, but he chose patience and asked Allāh for respite for them, so that Allāh might let them generate offspring who will not associate anything with Him in worship. Therefore, how can we combine the meaning of this Ḥadīth and the honorable Āyah,

Qur’an 6:58قُل لَّوْ أَنَّ عِندِى مَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِهِۦ لَقُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«Say: "If I had that which you are asking for impatiently (the torment), the matter would have been settled at once between you and I, but Allāh knows best the wrongdoers."»

The answer to this question is, Allāh knows the best, that the Āyah states that if the punishment that they asked for was in the Prophet's hand at the time, he would have sent it on them as they asked. As for the Ḥadīth, the disbelievers did not ask the Prophet ﷺ to send the torment down on them. Rather, the angel responsible for the mountains offered him the choice to let the two mountains to the north and south of Makkah close in on the disbelievers and crush them. The Prophet ﷺ did not wish that and asked for respite out of compassion for them.

Only Allāh Knows the Unseen

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:59وَعِندَهُۥ مَفَاتِحُ ٱلْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَآ إِلَّا هُوَ

«And with Him are the keys of the Ghayb (all that is hidden), none knows them but He.»

Al-Bukhāri recorded that Sālim bin 'Abdullāh said that his father said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthمَفَاتِيحُ الْغَيْبِ خَمْسٌ لَا يَعْلَمُهُنَّ إِلَّا اللهُ

«The keys of the Unseen are five and none except Allāh knows them :

Qur’an 31:34إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ عِلْمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ ٱلْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْأَرْحَامِ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌۢ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۢ

«Verily, Allāh! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allāh is All-Knower,

Qur’an 6:60–68وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُم بِٱلنَّهَارِ ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُكُمْ فِيهِ لِيُقْضَىٰٓ أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيُرْسِلُ عَلَيْكُمْ حَفَظَةً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا وَهُمْ لَا يُفَرِّطُونَ ثُمَّ رُدُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَوْلَىٰهُمُ ٱلْحَقِّ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْحُكْمُ وَهُوَ أَسْرَعُ ٱلْحَٰسِبِينَ قُلْ مَن يُنَجِّيكُم مِّن ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ تَدْعُونَهُۥ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً لَّئِنْ أَنجَىٰنَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِۦ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم مِّنْهَا وَمِن كُلِّ كَرْبٍ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ قُلْ هُوَ ٱلْقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابًا مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ أَوْ مِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِكُمْ أَوْ يَلْبِسَكُمْ شِيَعًا وَيُذِيقَ بَعْضَكُم بَأْسَ بَعْضٍ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَفْقَهُونَ وَكَذَّبَ بِهِۦ قَوْمُكَ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ قُل لَّسْتُ عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ لِّكُلِّ نَبَإٍ مُّسْتَقَرٌّ وَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا۟ فِى حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِۦ وَإِمَّا يُنسِيَنَّكَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فَلَا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

All-Aware»"» [31:34].^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:141.}

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:59وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ

«And He knows whatever there is on the land and in the sea;» means, Allāh's honored knowledge encompasses everything, including the creatures living in the sea and on land, and none of it, not even the weight of an atom on earth or in heaven, ever escapes His knowledge.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:59وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا

«not a leaf falls, but He knows it.»

means, He knows the movements of everything including inanimate things. Therefore, what about His knowledge of the living creatures, especially, those whom the Divine laws have been imposed upon such as mankind and the Jinns? In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 40:19يَعْلَمُ خَآئِنَةَ ٱلْأَعْيُنِ وَمَا تُخْفِى ٱلصُّدُورُ

«Allāh knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal.» [40:19]

Qur’an 6:60–61وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُم بِٱلنَّهَارِ ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُكُمْ فِيهِ لِيُقْضَىٰٓ أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيُرْسِلُ عَلَيْكُمْ

Qur’an 6:61–62حَفَظَةً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا وَهُمْ لَا يُفَرِّطُونَ ثُمَّ رُدُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَوْلَىٰهُمُ ٱلْحَقِّ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْحُكْمُ وَهُوَ أَسْرَعُ ٱلْحَٰسِبِينَ

«60. It is He, Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep), and has knowledge of all that you have done by day, then he raises (wakes) you up again, that a term appointed be fulfilled, then (in the end), unto Him will be your return. Then He will inform you of what you used to do.»

«61. He is the Qāhir over His servants, and He sends guardians over you, until when death approaches one of you, Our messengers take his soul, and they never neglect their duty.»

«62. Then they are returned to Allāh, their Master, the Just Lord. Surely, His is the judgment and He is the swiftest in taking account.»

The Servants are in Allāh's Hands Before and After Death

Allāh states that He brings death to His servants in their sleep at night, for sleep is minor death. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 3:55إِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَىٰٓ إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ

«And (remember) when Allāh said: "O 'Īsā! I will take you and raise you to Myself..."» [3:55], and,

Qur’an 39:42ٱللَّهُ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلْأَنفُسَ حِينَ مَوْتِهَا وَٱلَّتِى لَمْ تَمُتْ فِى مَنَامِهَا فَيُمْسِكُ ٱلَّتِى قَضَىٰ عَلَيْهَا ٱلْمَوْتَ وَيُرْسِلُ ٱلْأُخْرَىٰٓ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى

«It is Allāh Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed.»[39:42],

thus mentioning both minor and major death. Allāh says,

Qur’an 6:60وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُم بِٱلنَّهَارِ

«It is He, Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep), and has knowledge of all that you have done by day,» meaning, He knows the deeds and actions that you perform during the day.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 5:212.} This Āyah demonstrates Allāh's perfect knowledge of His creation, by day and night, and in their movements and idleness. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 13:10سَوَآءٌ مِّنكُم مَّنْ أَسَرَّ ٱلْقَوْلَ وَمَن جَهَرَ بِهِۦ وَمَنْ هُوَ مُسْتَخْفٍۭ بِٱلَّيْلِ وَسَارِبٌۢ بِٱلنَّهَارِ

«It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day.» [13:10], and

Qur’an 28:73وَمِن رَّحْمَتِهِۦ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لِتَسْكُنُوا۟ فِيهِ

«It is out of His mercy that He made night and day, so that you may rest therein», by night,

Qur’anوَلِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ

«and that you may seek of His bounty» by day. Allāh said,

Qur’an 78:10–11وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلنَّهَارَ مَعَاشًا

«And (We) have made the night as a covering. And (We) have made the day for livelihood.» [78:10-11].

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:60وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَتَوَفَّىٰكُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا جَرَحْتُم بِٱلنَّهَارِ

«It is He, Who takes your souls by night (when you are asleep), and has knowledge of all that you have done by day,» [6:60],

Then said,

Qur’an 6:60ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُكُمْ فِيهِ

«then he raises (wakes) you up again,» by day, according to Mujāhid, Qatādah and As-Suddi.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:60لِيُقْضَىٰٓ أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى

«that a term appointed be fulfilled» refers to the life span of every person,

Qur’an 6:60ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ

«then (in the end), unto Him will be your return.» on the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’an 6:60ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

«Then He will inform you of what you used to do.»

He will reward you, good for good, and evil for evil. Allāh's statement,

Qur’anوَهُوَ ٱلْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِۦ

«He is the Qāhir over His servants.»

The Qāhir means, the one who controls everything, all are subservient to His supreme grace, greatness and majesty,

Qur’an 6:61وَيُرْسِلُ عَلَيْكُمْ حَفَظَةً

«and He sends guardians over you,» angels who guard mankind. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 13:11لَهُۥ مُعَقِّبَٰتٌ مِّنۢ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِۦ يَحْفَظُونَهُۥ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ

«For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the command of Allāh.» [13:11],

watching his deeds and recording them. Allāh said,

Qur’an 82:10وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكُمْ لَحَٰفِظِينَ

«But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you.» [82:10], and,

Qur’an 50:17–18إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ

«(Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive, one sitting on the right and one on the left. Not a word does he utter, but there is a watcher by him, ready.» [50:17-18].

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:61حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ

«until when death approaches one of you...» refers to, when one's life span comes to an end and he is dying,

Qur’an 6:61تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا

«Our messengers take his soul...» meaning, there are angels who are responsible for this job. Ibn 'Abbās and several others said that the Angel of Death has angels who pull the soul from its body and when it reaches the throat, the Angel of Death captures it.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:410.} Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:61وَهُمْ لَا يُفَرِّطُونَ

«and they never neglect their duty.»

They guard the soul of the dead person and take it to wherever Allāh wills, to 'Illiyyīn if he was among the righteous, and to Sijjīn^{3Refer to Sūrat Al-Muṭaffifīn, 83:7-9 and18-21.} if he was among the wicked (disbelievers, sinners, etc.), we seek refuge with Allāh from this end. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:62ثُمَّ رُدُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَوْلَىٰهُمُ ٱلْحَقِّ

«Then they are returned to Allāh, their Master, the Just Lord.»

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet ﷺ said,

«إِنَّ الْمَيِّتَ تَحْضُرُهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ فَإِذَا كَانَ الرَّجُلُ الصَّالِحُ، قَالُوا: اخْرُجِي أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الطَّيِّبَةُ كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الطَّيِّبِ، اخْرُجِي حَمِيدَةً، وَأَبْشِرِي بِرَوْحٍ وَرَيْحَانٍ، وَرَبٍّ غَيْرِ غَضْبَانَ، فَلَا تَزَالُ يُقَالُ لَهَا ذَلِكَ حَتَّى تَخْرُجَ، ثُمَّ يُعْرَجُ بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ، فَيُسْتَفْتَحُ لَهَا فَيُقَالُ مَنْ هَذَا؟ فَيُقَالُ: فُلَانٌ، فَيُقَالُ: مَرْحَبًا بِالنَّفْسِ الطَّيِّبَةِ، كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الطَّيِّبِ، ادْخُلِي حَمِيدَةً وَأَبْشِرِي بِرَوْحٍ وَرَيْحَانٍ وَرَبٌّ غَيْرِ غَضْبَانَ، فَلَا تَزَالُ يُقَالُ لَهَا ذَلِكَ حَتَّى يُنْتَهَى بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الَّتِي فِيهَا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ، وَإِذَا كَانَ الرَّجُلُ السَّوْءُ، قَالُوا: اخْرُجِي أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْخَبِيثَةُ كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الْخَبِيثِ، اخْرُجِي ذَمِيمَةً وَأَبْشِرِي بِحَمِيمٍ وَغَسَّاقٍ، وَآخَرَ مِنْ شَكْلِهِ أَزْوَاجٍ، فَلَا تَزَالُ يُقَالُ لَهَا ذَلِكَ حَتَّى تَخْرُجَ، ثُمَّ يُعْرَجُ بِهَا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ، فَيُسْتَفْتَحُ لَهَا فَيُقَالُ: مَنْ هَذَا؟ فَيُقَالُ: فُلَانٌ، فَيُقَالُ: لَا مَرْحَبًا بِالنَّفْسِ الْخَبِيثَةِ كَانَتْ فِي الْجَسَدِ الْخَبِيثِ، ارْجِعِي ذَمِيمَةً، فَإِنَّهُ لَا يُفْتَحُ لَكِ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاءِ، فَتُرْسَلُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ ثُمَّ تَصِيرُ إِلَى الْقَبْرِ، فَيُجْلَسُ الرَّجُلُ الصَّالِحُ، فَيُقَالُ لَهُ مِثْلُ مَا قِيلَ فِي الْحَدِيثِ الأَوَّلِ، وَيُجْلَسُ الرَّجُلُ السَّوْءُ فَيُقَالُ لَهُ مِثْلُ مَا قِيلَ فِي الْحَدِيثِ الثَّانِي»

«The angels attend the dying person. If he is a righteous person, the angels will say, 'O pure soul from a pure body! Come out with honor and receive the good news of rest, satisfaction and a Lord Who is not angry.' The angels will keep saying this until the soul leaves its body, and they will then raise it up to heaven and will ask that the door be opened for the soul and it will be asked, 'Who is this?' It will be said, '(The soul of) so-and-so.' It will be said, 'Welcome, to the pure soul that inhabited the pure body. Enter with honor and receive the good news of rest, satisfaction and a Lord Who is not angry.' This statement will be repeated until the soul reaches the heaven above which there is Allāh. If the dying person is evil, the angels will say, 'Get out (of your body), O wicked soul from a wicked body! Get out in disgrace and receive the news of boiling fluid, a fluid dark, murky, intensely cold and other (torments) of similar kind - all together - to match them.' This statement will be said repeatedly until the evil soul leaves its body. The soul will be raised up to heaven and a request will be made that the door be opened for it. It will be asked, 'Who is this?' It will be said, '(The soul of) so and so.' It will be said, 'No welcome to the wicked soul from the wicked body. Return with disgrace, for the doors of heaven will not be opened for you.' So it will be thrown from heaven until it returns to the grave. So the righteous person sits and similar is said to him as before. And the evil person sits and similar is said to him as before.»^{4Aḥmad 2:364.} It is also possible that the meaning of,

Qur’an 6:62ثُمَّ رُدُّوٓا۟

«Then they are returned...»

refers to the return of all creation to Allāh on the Day of Resurrection, when He will subject them to His just decision. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 56:49–50قُلْ إِنَّ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ وَٱلْـَٔاخِرِينَ لَمَجْمُوعُونَ إِلَىٰ مِيقَٰتِ يَوْمٍ مَّعْلُومٍ

«Say: "(Yes) verily, those of old, and those of later times. All will surely be gathered together for an appointed meeting of a known Day."» [56:49-50] and,

Qur’an 18:47وَحَشَرْنَٰهُمْ فَلَمْ نُغَادِرْ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا

«And We shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind...» [18:47] until,

Qur’an 18:49وَلَا يَظْلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدًا

«And your Lord treats no one with injustice.» [18:49] Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:62مَوْلَىٰهُمُ ٱلْحَقِّ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْحُكْمُ وَهُوَ أَسْرَعُ ٱلْحَٰسِبِينَ

«their Master, the Just Lord. Surely, His is the judgement and He is the swiftest in taking account.» [6:62]

Qur’an 6:63–65قُلْ مَن يُنَجِّيكُم مِّن ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ تَدْعُونَهُۥ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً لَّئِنْ أَنجَىٰنَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِۦ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم مِّنْهَا وَمِن كُلِّ كَرْبٍ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ قُلْ هُوَ ٱلْقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابًا مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ أَوْ مِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِكُمْ أَوْ يَلْبِسَكُمْ شِيَعًا وَيُذِيقَ بَعْضَكُم بَأْسَ بَعْضٍ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَفْقَهُونَ

«63. Say: "Who rescues you from the dark recesses of the land and the sea, when you call upon Him begging and in secret (saying): 'If He (Allāh) only saves us from these (dangers), we shall truly be grateful."»

«64. Say: "Allāh rescues you from these (dangers) and from all distress, and yet you commit Shirk."»

«65. Say: "He has the power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to Yalbisakum in party strife, and make you taste the violence of one another." See how variously We explain the Āyāt, so that they may understand.»

Allāh's Compassion and Generosity, and His Power and Torment

Allāh mentions how He favors His servants, saving them during times of need, in the darkness of land and at sea, such as when storms strike. In such cases, they call on Allāh alone, without partners, in supplication. In other Āyāt, Allāh said,

Qur’an 17:67وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَن تَدْعُونَ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ

«And when harm strikes you at sea, those that you call upon besides Him vanish from you except Him.» [17:67],

Qur’an 10:22هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُسَيِّرُكُمْ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا كُنتُمْ فِى ٱلْفُلْكِ وَجَرَيْنَ بِهِم بِرِيحٍ طَيِّبَةٍ وَفَرِحُوا۟ بِهَا جَآءَتْهَا رِيحٌ عَاصِفٌ وَجَآءَهُمُ ٱلْمَوْجُ مِن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ وَظَنُّوٓا۟ أَنَّهُمْ أُحِيطَ بِهِمْ دَعَوُا۟ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ لَئِنْ أَنجَيْتَنَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِۦ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

«He it is Who enables you to travel through the land and the sea, till when you are in the ships and they sail with them with a favorable wind, and they rejoice, then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to them from all sides, and they think that they are encircled therein, they invoke Allāh, making their faith pure for Him alone, saying: "If You deliver us from this, we shall truly be of the grateful".» [10:22], and,

Qur’an 27:63أَمَّن يَهْدِيكُمْ فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَمَن يُرْسِلُ ٱلرِّيَٰحَ بُشْرًۢا بَيْنَ يَدَىْ رَحْمَتِهِۦٓ أَءِلَٰهٌ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ تَعَٰلَى ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ

«Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy? Is there any god with Allāh? High Exalted be Allāh above all that they associate as partners (with Him)!» [27:63]. Allāh said in this honorable Āyah,

Qur’an 6:63قُلْ مَن يُنَجِّيكُم مِّن ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ تَدْعُونَهُۥ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً

«Say: "Who rescues you from the dark recesses of the land and the sea, when you call upon Him begging and in secret."» i.e., in public and secret,

Qur’an 6:63لَّئِنْ أَنجَىٰنَا

«(Saying): 'If He (Allāh) only saves us...» from this distress,

Qur’an 7:189لَّنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلشَّٰكِرِينَ

«we shall truly be grateful.» thereafter. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:64قُلِ ٱللَّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم مِّنْهَا وَمِن كُلِّ كَرْبٍ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ

«Say: "Allāh rescues you from these (dangers) and from all distress, and yet you commit Shirk."»

meaning, yet you call other gods besides Him in times of comfort. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:65قُلْ هُوَ ٱلْقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابًا مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ أَوْ مِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِكُمْ

«Say: "He has the power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet,"»

He said this after His statement,

Qur’an 6:64ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ

«And yet you commit Shirk.» Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:65قُلْ هُوَ ٱلْقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابًا

«Say: "He has the power to send torment on you.."», after He saves you. Allāh said in Sūrah Subḥān (chapter 17),

Qur’an 17:66–69رَّبُّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى يُزْجِى لَكُمُ ٱلْفُلْكَ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ لِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦٓ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَن تَدْعُونَ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ فَلَمَّا نَجَّىٰكُمْ إِلَى ٱلْبَرِّ أَعْرَضْتُمْ وَكَانَ ٱلْإِنسَٰنُ كَفُورًا أَفَأَمِنتُمْ أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمْ جَانِبَ ٱلْبَرِّ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا۟ لَكُمْ وَكِيلًا أَمْ أَمِنتُمْ أَن يُعِيدَكُمْ فِيهِ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ فَيُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ قَاصِفًا مِّنَ ٱلرِّيحِ فَيُغْرِقَكُم بِمَا كَفَرْتُمْ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا۟ لَكُمْ عَلَيْنَا بِهِۦ تَبِيعًا

«Your Lord is He Who drives the ship for you through the sea, in order that you may seek of His bounty. Truly! He is Ever Merciful towards you. And when harm strikes you upon the sea, those that you call upon besides Him vanish from you except Him. But when He brings you safely to land, you turn away (from Him). And man is ever ungrateful. Do you then feel secure that He will not cause a side of the land to swallow you up, or that He will not send against you a storm of stones? Then, you shall find no guardian. Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back a second time to sea, and send against you a hurricane of wind and drown you because of your disbelief, then you will not find any avenger therein against Us?» [17:66-69].

Al-Bukhāri, may Allāh grant him His mercy, commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:65قُلْ هُوَ ٱلْقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابًا مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ أَوْ مِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِكُمْ أَوْ يَلْبِسَكُمْ شِيَعًا وَيُذِيقَ بَعْضَكُم بَأْسَ بَعْضٍ ٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَفْقَهُونَ

«Say: "He has the power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to Yalbisakum in party strife, and make you taste the violence of one another." See how variously We explain the Āyāt, so that they may understand.»

"Yalbisakum means, 'cover you with confusion', So it means to, 'divide into parties and sects'. Jābir bin 'Abdullāh said, 'When this Āyah was revealed,

Qur’an 6:65قُلْ هُوَ ٱلْقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابًا مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ

«Say: "He has power to send torment on you from above"»

Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said,

«أَعُوذُ بِوَجْهِكَ»

«I seek refuge with Your Face.»

Qur’an 6:65أَوْ مِن تَحْتِ أَرْجُلِكُمْ

«or from under your feet,» he ﷺ again said,

«أَعُوذُ بِوَجْهِكَ»

«I seek refuge with Your Face.»

Qur’an 6:65أَوْ يَلْبِسَكُمْ شِيَعًا وَيُذِيقَ بَعْضَكُم بَأْسَ بَعْضٍ

«or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another.» he ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthهَذِهِ أَهْوَنُ - أَوْ أَيْسَرُ

«This is less burdensome or easier.»'"^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:141.}

Al-Bukhāri recorded this Ḥadīth again in the book of Tawḥīd (in his Ṣaḥīḥ),^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 13:400.} and An-Nasā'ī also recorded it in the book of Tafsīr.^{3An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā 6:340.}

Another Ḥadīth

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Sa'd bin Abi Waqqāṣ said, We accompanied the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ and passed by the Masjid of Bani Mu'āwiyah. The Prophet ﷺ went in and offered a two Rak'ah prayer, and we prayed behind him. He supplicated to his Lord for a long time and then said,

Ḥadīthسَأَلْتُ رَبِّي ثَلَاثًا: سَأَلْتُهُ أَنْ لَا يُهْلِكَ أُمَّتِي بِالْغَرَقِ فَأَعْطَانِيهَا، وَسَأَلْتُهُ أَنْ لَا يُهْلِكَ أُمَّتِي بِالسَّنَةِ فَأَعْطَانِيهَا، وَسَأَلْتُهُ أَنْ لَا يَجْعَلَ بَأْسَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ فَمَنَعَنِيهَا

«I asked my Lord for three: I asked Him not to destroy my Ummah (Muslims) by drowning and He gave that to me. I asked Him not to destroy my Ummah by famine and He gave that to me. And I asked Him not to make them taste the violence of one another, but He did not give that to me.»

Muslim, but not Al-Bukhāri, recorded this Ḥadīth in the book on Fitan (trials) (of his Ṣaḥīḥ).^{4Aḥmad 1:175, Muslim no. 2890.}

Another Ḥadīth

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Khabbāb bin Al-Aratt, who attended the battle of Badr with the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, said, "I met Allāh's Messenger ﷺ during a night in which he prayed throughout it, until dawn. When the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ ended his prayer, I said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! This night, you have performed a prayer that I never saw you perform before.' Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَجَلْ إِنَّهَا صَلَاةُ رَغَبٍ وَرَهَبٍ، سَأَلْتُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِيهَا ثَلَاثَ خِصَالٍ، فَأَعْطَانِي اثْنَتَيْنِ وَمَنَعَنِي وَاحِدَةً، سَأَلْتُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنْ لَا يُهْلِكَنَا بِمَا أَهْلَكَ بِهِ الْأُمَمَ قَبْلَنَا فَأَعْطَانِيهَا، وَسَأَلْتُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنْ لَا يُظْهِرَ عَلَيْنَا عَدُوًّا مِنْ غَيْرِنَا فَأَعْطَانِيهَا، وَسَأَلْتُ رَبِّي عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنْ لَا يُلْبِسَنَا شِيَعًا فَمَنَعَنِيهَا

«Yes, it was a prayer of eagerness and fear. During this prayer, I asked my Lord for three things and He gave me two and refused to give me the third. I asked my Lord not to destroy us with what He destroyed the nations before us and He gave me that. I asked my Lord not to make our enemies prevail above us and He gave me that. I asked my Lord not to cover us with confusion in party strife, but He refused.»^{5Aḥmad 3:108.}

An-Nasā'ī, Ibn Ḥibbān in his Ṣaḥīḥ, and At-Tirmidhi also recorded it. In the book on Fitan, in Al-Jāmi',^{6An-Nasā'ī 3:217, Ibn Ḥibbān 9:179, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 6:397, Aḥmad 5:108.} At-Tirmidhi said, "Ḥasan Ṣaḥīḥ". Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:65أَوْ يَلْبِسَكُمْ شِيَعًا

«or to cover you with confusion in party strife,»

means, He causes you to be in disarray and separate into opposing parties and groups. Al-Wālibi ('Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah) reported that Ibn 'Abbās said that this Āyah refers to desires.^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:420.} Mujāhid and several others said similarly.^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:419.} A Ḥadīth from the Prophet ﷺ, collected from various chains of narration, states,

Ḥadīthوَسَتَفْتَرِقُ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةُ عَلَى ثَلَاثٍ وَسَبْعِينَ فِرْقَةً، كُلُّهَا فِي النَّارِ إِلَّا وَاحِدَةً

«And this Ummah (Muslims) will divide into seventy - three groups, all of them in the Fire except one.»^{9Abu Dāwud 5:5, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:399, Ibn Mājah 2:1322.} Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:65وَيُذِيقَ بَعْضَكُم بَأْسَ بَعْضٍ

«and make you taste the violence of one another.»

meaning, some of you will esperience torture and murder from one another, according to Ibn 'Abbās and others.^{10Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:421.} Allāh said next,

Qur’anٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ

«See how variously We explain the Āyāt,» by making them clear, plain and duly explained,

Qur’an 6:65لَعَلَّهُمْ يَفْقَهُونَ

«So that they may understand.» and comprehend Allāh's Āyāt, proofs and evidences.

Qur’an 6:69–73وَمَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ وَلَٰكِن ذِكْرَىٰ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ وَذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ لَعِبًا وَلَهْوًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَذَكِّرْ بِهِۦٓ أَن تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌۢ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ وَإِن تَعْدِلْ كُلَّ عَدْلٍ لَّا يُؤْخَذْ مِنْهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُبْسِلُوا۟ بِمَا كَسَبُوا۟ لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ قُلْ أَنَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُنَا وَلَا يَضُرُّنَا وَنُرَدُّ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَابِنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ كَٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَهْوَتْهُ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ حَيْرَانَ لَهُۥٓ أَصْحَٰبٌ يَدْعُونَهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱلْهُدَى ٱئْتِنَا قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ هُوَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَأُمِرْنَا لِنُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ وَأَنْ أَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَيَوْمَ يَقُولُ كُن فَيَكُونُ قَوْلُهُ ٱلْحَقُّ وَلَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ عَٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَٰدَةِ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ

Qur’an 6:66–69وَكَذَّبَ بِهِۦ قَوْمُكَ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ قُل لَّسْتُ عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ لِّكُلِّ نَبَإٍ مُّسْتَقَرٌّ وَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَٰتِنَا فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا۟ فِى حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِۦ وَإِمَّا يُنسِيَنَّكَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فَلَا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ وَمَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ وَلَٰكِن ذِكْرَىٰ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

«66. But your people have denied it (the Qur'an) though it is the truth. Say: "I am not responsible for your affairs."» «67. For every news there is a reality and you will come to know.» «68. And when you see those who engage in false conversation about Our verses (of the Qur'ān) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. And if Shayṭān causes you to forget, then after the remembrance, sit not you in the company of those people who are the wrongdoers.» «69. There is no responsibility for them upon those who have Taqwā, but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (attain) Taqwā.»

The Invitation to the Truth is Guidance Without Coercion

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:66وَكَذَّبَ بِهِۦ

«But have denied it» denied the Qur'ān, guidance and clear explanation that you (O Muḥammad ﷺ) have brought them,

Qur’an 6:66قَوْمُكَ

«your people» meaning, Quraysh,

Qur’an 6:66وَهُوَ ٱلْحَقُّ

«though it is the truth.» beyond which there is no other truth.

Qur’an 6:66قُل لَّسْتُ عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ

«Say: "I am not responsible for your affairs."» meaning, I have not been appointed a guardian or watcher over you. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 18:29وَقُلِ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيُؤْمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ

«And say: "The truth is from your Lord." Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.» [18:29],

This means, my duty is to convey the Message and your duty is to hear and obey. Those who follow me, will acquire happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Those who defy me will become miserable in this life and the Hereafter. So Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:67لِّكُلِّ نَبَإٍ مُّسْتَقَرٌّ

«For every news there is a reality...» meaning, for every news, there is a reality, in that, this news will occur, perhaps after a while, according to Ibn 'Abbās and others. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 38:88وَلَتَعْلَمُنَّ نَبَأَهُۥ بَعْدَ حِينٍۭ

«And you shall certainly know the truth of it after a while.» [38:88] and,

Qur’an 13:38لِكُلِّ أَجَلٍ كِتَابٌ

«(For) each and every matter there is a decree (from Allāh).» [13:38].

This, indeed, is a warning and a promise that will surely occur,

Qur’an 6:67وَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

«and you will come to know.» Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:68وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَٰتِنَا

«And when you see those who engage in false conversation about Our verses (of the Qur'ān)», by denying and mocking them.

The Prohibition of Sitting with Those Who Deny and Mock Allāh's Āyāt

Qur’an 6:68فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا۟ فِى حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِۦ

«stay away from them till they turn to another topic.» until they talk about a subject other than the denial they were engaged in.

Qur’an 6:68وَإِمَّا يُنسِيَنَّكَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ

«And if Shayṭān causes you to forget...» This command includes every member of this Ummah. No one is to sit with those who deny and distort Allāh's Āyāt and explain them incorrectly. If one forgets and sits with such people,

Qur’an 6:68فَلَا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ

«then after the remembrance sit not you» after you remember,

Qur’anمَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«in the company of those people who are the wrongdoers.». A Ḥadīth states,

Ḥadīthرُفِعَ عَنْ أُمَّتِي الْخَطَأُ وَالنِّسْيَانُ وَمَا اسْتُكْرِهُوا عَلَيْهِ

«My Ummah was forgiven unintentional errors, forgetfulness and what they are coerced to do.»^{1Ibn Mājah 1 :659.}

The Āyah above [6:68] is the Āyah mentioned in Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 4:140وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَنْ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يُكْفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسْتَهْزَأُ بِهَا فَلَا تَقْعُدُوا۟ مَعَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا۟ فِى حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِۦٓ إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا مِّثْلُهُمْ

«And it has already been revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the Verses of Allāh being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them.» [4:140],

for, if you still sit with them, agreeing to what they say, you will be just like them. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:69وَمَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ مِنْ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىْءٍ

«There is no responsibility for them upon those who have Taqwā,»

means, when the believers avoid sitting with wrongdoers in this case, they will be innocent of them and they will have saved themselves from their sin. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:69وَلَٰكِن ذِكْرَىٰ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

«but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may avoid that.»,

means, We commanded you to ignore and avoid them, so that they become aware of the error they are indulging in, that they may avoid this behavior and never repeat it again.

Qur’an 6:70وَذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ لَعِبًا وَلَهْوًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَذَكِّرْ بِهِۦٓ أَن تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌۢ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ وَإِن تَعْدِلْ كُلَّ عَدْلٍ لَّا يُؤْخَذْ مِنْهَآ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُبْسِلُوا۟ بِمَا كَسَبُوا۟ لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ

«70. And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But remind (them) with it (the Qur'ān) lest a soul Tubsal for that which one has earned, when he will find for himself no protector or intercessor besides Allāh, and even if he offers every ransom, it will not be accepted from him. Such are they who are given up to destruction because of that which they have earned. For them will be a drink of boiling water and a painful torment because they used to disbelieve.» Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:70وَذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ دِينَهُمْ لَعِبًا وَلَهْوًا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا

«And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world.»

The Āyah commands to leave such people, ignore them and give them respite, for soon, they will taste a tremendous torment. This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:70وَذَكِّرْ بِهِۦٓ

«But remind with it» meaning, remind the people with this Qur'ān and warn them against Allāh's revenge and painful torment on the Day of Resurrection. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:70أَن تُبْسَلَ نَفْسٌۢ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ

«lest a soul Tubsal for that which one has earned,»

meaning, so that it is not Tubsal. Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk from Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid, 'Ikrimah, Al-Ḥasan and As-Suddi said that Tubsal means, be submissive.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:443.} Al-Wālibi said that Ibn 'Abbās said that Tubsal means, 'be exposed'.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:444.} Qatādah said that Tubsal means, 'be prevented',^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:443.} Murrah and Ibn Zayd said that it means, 'be recompensed',^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:443.} Al-Kalbi said, 'be reckoned'.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:444.} All these statements and expressions are similar, for they all mean exposure to destruction, being kept away from all that is good, and being restrained from attaining what is desired. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 74:38–39كُلُّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ إِلَّآ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلْيَمِينِ

«Every person is restrained by what he has earned. Except those on the Right.» [74:38-39], and

Qur’an 6:70لَيْسَ لَهَا مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِىٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ

«when he will find for himself no protector or intercessor besides Allāh,» and,

Qur’an 6:70وَإِن تَعْدِلْ كُلَّ عَدْلٍ لَّا يُؤْخَذْ مِنْهَآ

«and even if he offers every ransom, it will not be accepted from him.»

meaning, whatever the ransom such people offer, it will not be accepted from them. Allāh said in a similar statement,

Qur’an 3:91إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَمَاتُوا۟ وَهُمْ كُفَّارٌ فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْ أَحَدِهِم مِّلْءُ ٱلْأَرْضِ ذَهَبًا

«Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them.» [3:91] Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:70أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُبْسِلُوا۟ بِمَا كَسَبُوا۟ لَهُمْ شَرَابٌ مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ وَعَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ

«Such are they who are given up to destruction because of that which they have earned. For them will be a drink of boiling water and a painful torment because they used to disbelieve.»

Qur’an 6:71–73قُلْ أَنَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُنَا وَلَا يَضُرُّنَا وَنُرَدُّ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَابِنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ كَٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَهْوَتْهُ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ حَيْرَانَ لَهُۥٓ أَصْحَٰبٌ يَدْعُونَهُۥٓ إِلَى ٱلْهُدَى ٱئْتِنَا قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ هُوَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَأُمِرْنَا لِنُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ وَأَنْ أَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَيَوْمَ يَقُولُ كُن فَيَكُونُ قَوْلُهُ ٱلْحَقُّ وَلَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ عَٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَٰدَةِ وَهُوَ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ

«71. Say: "Shall we invoke others besides Allāh (false deities), that can do us neither good nor harm, and shall we turn on our heels after Allāh has guided us? - Like one whom the Shayāṭīn (devils) have made to go astray, confused (wandering) through the land, his companions calling him to guidance (saying): 'Come to us.'" Say: "Verily, Allāh's guidance is the only guidance, and we have been commanded to submit (ourselves) to the Lord of all that exists.» «72. And to perform the Ṣalāh, and have Taqwā of Him, and it is He to Whom you shall be gathered.» «73. It is He Who has created the heavens and the earth in truth, and on the Day He will say: "Be!" it shall become. His Word is the truth. His will be the dominion on the Day when the Ṣūr will be blown. All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the All-Wise, Well-Aware.»

The Parable of Those Who Revert to Disbelief After Faith and Good Deeds

As-Suddi said, "Some idolators said to some Muslims, 'Follow us and abandon the religion of Muḥammad.' Allāh sent down the revelation,

Qur’an 6:71قُلْ أَنَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُنَا وَلَا يَضُرُّنَا وَنُرَدُّ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَابِنَا

«Say: "Shall we invoke others besides Allāh, that can do us neither good nor harm, and shall we turn on our heels..."» by reverting to disbelief,

Qur’an 6:71بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ

«"...after Allāh has guided us?."» for if we do this, our example will be like he whom the devils have caused to wander in confusion throughout the land. Allāh says here, your example, if you revert to disbelief after you believed, is that of a man who went with some people on a road, but he lost his way and the devils led him to wander in confusion over the land. Meanwhile, his companions on the road were calling him to come to them saying, 'Come back to us, for we are on the path.' But, he refused to go back to them. This is the example of he who follows the devil after recognizing Muḥammad ﷺ, and Muḥammad ﷺ is the person who is calling the people to the path, and the path is Islām." Ibn Jarīr recorded this statement.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:452.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:71كَٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَهْوَتْهُ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ

«Like one whom the Shayāṭīn (devils) have made to go astray (wandering) through the land,» refers to ghouls,

Qur’an 6:71يَدْعُونَهُۥٓ

«calling him» by his name, his father's and his grandfather's names. So he follows the devils' call thinking that it is a path of guidance, but by the morning he will find himself destroyed and perhaps they eat him. The Jinns will then let him wander in a wasteland where he will die of thirst. This is the example of those who follow the false gods that are being worshipped instead of Allāh, Most Honored. Ibn Jarīr also recorded this.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:452.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:71قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ هُوَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ

«Say: "Verily, Allāh's guidance is the only guidance,"» Allāh said in other instances,

Qur’an 39:37وَمَن يَهْدِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن مُّضِلٍّ

«And whomsoever Allāh guides, for him there will be none to misguide him.» [39:37], and,

Qur’an 16:37إِن تَحْرِصْ عَلَىٰ هُدَىٰهُمْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى مَن يُضِلُّ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ

«If you covet for their guidance, then verily Allāh guides not those whom He makes to go astray. And they will have no helpers.» [17:37] Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:71وَأُمِرْنَا لِنُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«and we have been commanded to submit to the Lord of all that exists.» means, we were commanded to worship Allāh in sincerity to Him alone, without partners.

Qur’an 6:72وَأَنْ أَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَٱتَّقُوهُ

«And to perform the Ṣalāh, and have Taqwā of Him.» meaning, we were commanded to perform the prayer and to fear Allāh in all circumstances,

Qur’an 6:72وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

«and it is He to Whom you shall be gathered.» on the Day of Resurrection.

Qur’an 6:73وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ بِٱلْحَقِّ

«It is He Who has created the heavens and the earth in truth.» meaning, in justice, and He is their Originator and Owner Who governs their affairs and the affairs of their inhabitants. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:73وَيَوْمَ يَقُولُ كُن فَيَكُونُ

«and on the Day He will say: "Be!" it shall become.» Referring to the Day of Resurrection, which will come faster than the blink of an eye, when Allāh says to it, 'Be.'

Aṣ-Ṣūr; The Trumpet

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:73يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ

«on the Day when the Ṣūr will be blown...» refers to His statement,

Qur’an 6:73وَيَوْمَ يَقُولُ كُن فَيَكُونُ

«and on the Day He will say: "Be!" it shall become.» as we stated above. Or, it means,

Qur’an 6:73وَلَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ

«His will be the dominion on the Day when the Ṣūr will be blown.» Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 40:16لِّمَنِ ٱلْمُلْكُ ٱلْيَوْمَ لِلَّهِ ٱلْوَٰحِدِ ٱلْقَهَّارِ

«Whose is the kingdom this Day? It is Allāh's, the One, the Irresistible!» [40:16], and,

Qur’an 25:26ٱلْمُلْكُ يَوْمَئِذٍ ٱلْحَقُّ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ وَكَانَ يَوْمًا عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ عَسِيرًا

«The sovereignty on that Day will be the true (sovereignty), belonging to the Most Beneficent (Allāh), and it will be a hard Day for the disbelievers.» [25:26] The Ṣūr is the Trumpet into which the angel Isrāfīl, peace be

Qur’an 6:74–81وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ ءَازَرَ أَتَتَّخِذُ أَصْنَامًا ءَالِهَةً إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰكَ وَقَوْمَكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُرِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ مَلَكُوتَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلِيَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُوقِنِينَ فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلَّيْلُ رَءَا كَوْكَبًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَ قَالَ لَآ أُحِبُّ ٱلْـَٔافِلِينَ فَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلْقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَ قَالَ لَئِن لَّمْ يَهْدِنِى رَبِّى لَأَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ فَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلشَّمْسَ بَازِغَةً قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى هَٰذَآ أَكْبَرُ فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَتْ قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ إِنِّى وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّذِى فَطَرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ وَحَآجَّهُۥ قَوْمُهُۥ قَالَ أَتُحَٰٓجُّوٓنِّى فِى ٱللَّهِ وَقَدْ هَدَىٰنِ وَلَآ أَخَافُ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ بِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ رَبِّى شَيْـًٔا وَسِعَ رَبِّى كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَٰنًا فَأَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْأَمْنِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

upon him, will blow. The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ إِسْرَافِيلَ قَدِ الْتَقَمَ الصُّورَ، وَحَنَى جَبْهَتَهُ يَنْتَظِرُ مَتَى يُؤْمَرُ فَيَنْفُخُ

«Isrāfīl has held the Ṣūr in his mouth and lowered his forehead, awaiting the command to blow in it.»^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 5:238.} Muslim recorded this Ḥadīth in his Ṣaḥīḥ. Imām Aḥmad recorded that 'Abdullāh bin 'Amr said, "A bedouin man said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! What is the Ṣūr?' He said,

Ḥadīthقَرْنٌ يُنْفَخُ فِيهِ

«A Trumpet which will be blown.»"^{4Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 7:117, Aḥmad 2:162.}

Qur’an 6:74–79وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ ءَازَرَ أَتَتَّخِذُ أَصْنَامًا ءَالِهَةً إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰكَ وَقَوْمَكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُرِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ مَلَكُوتَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلِيَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُوقِنِينَ فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلَّيْلُ رَءَا كَوْكَبًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَ قَالَ لَآ أُحِبُّ ٱلْـَٔافِلِينَ فَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلْقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَ قَالَ لَئِن لَّمْ يَهْدِنِى رَبِّى لَأَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ فَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلشَّمْسَ بَازِغَةً قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى هَٰذَآ أَكْبَرُ فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَتْ قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ إِنِّى وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّذِى فَطَرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

«74. And (remember) when Ibrāhīm said to his father Āzar: "Do you take idols as gods? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error."»

«75. Thus did we show Ibrāhīm the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he be one of those who have faith with certainty.»

«76. When the night overcame him he saw a Kawkab. He said: "This is my lord." But when it Afala, he said: "I like not those that set."»

«77. When he saw the moon rising up, he said: "This is my lord." But when it set, he said: "Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among the misguided people."»

«78. When he saw the sun rising up, he said: "This is my lord. This is greater." But when it Afalat, he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allāh.»

«79. Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth, Ḥanīfan, and I am not of the idolators."»

Ibrāhīm Advises his Father

Ibrāhīm advised, discouraged and forbade his father from worshipping idols, just as Allāh stated,

Qur’an 6:74وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ ءَازَرَ أَتَتَّخِذُ أَصْنَامًا ءَالِهَةً

«And (remember) when Ibrāhīm said to his father Āzar: "Do you take idols as gods?"» meaning, do you worship an idol instead of Allāh?

Qur’an 6:74إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰكَ وَقَوْمَكَ

«Verily, I see you and your people...» who follow your path,

Qur’anفِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

«in manifest error» wandering in confusion unaware of where to go. Therefore, you are in disarray and ignorance, and this fact is clear to all those who have sound reason. Allāh also said,

Qur’an 19:41–45وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَٰبِ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ يَٰٓأَبَتِ لِمَ تَعْبُدُ مَا لَا يَسْمَعُ وَلَا يُبْصِرُ وَلَا يُغْنِى عَنكَ شَيْـًٔا يَٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى قَدْ جَآءَنِى مِنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ مَا لَمْ يَأْتِكَ فَٱتَّبِعْنِىٓ أَهْدِكَ صِرَٰطًا سَوِيًّا يَٰٓأَبَتِ لَا تَعْبُدِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ كَانَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَصِيًّا يَٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ

Qur’an 19:45–48أَن يَمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ مِّنَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ فَتَكُونَ لِلشَّيْطَٰنِ وَلِيًّا قَالَ أَرَاغِبٌ أَنتَ عَنْ ءَالِهَتِى يَٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ لَئِن لَّمْ تَنتَهِ لَأَرْجُمَنَّكَ وَٱهْجُرْنِى مَلِيًّا قَالَ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكَ سَأَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّىٓ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ بِى حَفِيًّا وَأَعْتَزِلُكُمْ وَمَا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَدْعُوا۟ رَبِّى عَسَىٰٓ أَلَّآ أَكُونَ بِدُعَآءِ رَبِّى شَقِيًّا

«And mention in the Book (the Qur'ān, the story of) Ibrāhīm. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet. When he said to his father: "O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything? O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a straight path. O my father! Worship not Shayṭān. Verily! Shayṭān has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allāh). O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent (Allāh) overtakes you, so that you become a companion of Shayṭān (in the Hell-fire)." He (the father) said: "Do you reject my gods, O Ibrāhīm? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you." Ibrāhīm said: "Peace be on you! I will ask forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious. And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allāh. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unanswered in my invocation to my Lord."» [19:41-48]

Ibrāhīm continued asking for forgiveness for his father for the rest of his father's life. When his father died an idolator and Ibrāhīm realized this fact, he stopped asking Allāh for forgiveness for him and disassociated himself from him. Allāh said,

Qur’an 9:114وَمَا كَانَ ٱسْتِغْفَارُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لِأَبِيهِ إِلَّا عَن مَّوْعِدَةٍ وَعَدَهَآ إِيَّاهُ فَلَمَّا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُۥٓ أَنَّهُۥ عَدُوٌّ لِّلَّهِ تَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُ إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ لَأَوَّٰهٌ حَلِيمٌ

«And invoking for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allāh, he dissociated himself from him. Verily Ibrāhīm was patient in supplication and forbearing.» [9:114]. It was recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that Ibrāhīm will meet his father Āzar on the Day of Resurrection and Āzar will say to him, "My son! This Day, I will not disobey you." Ibrāhīm will say, "O Lord! You promised me not to disgrace me on the Day they are resurrected; and what will be more disgraceful to me than cursing and dishonoring my father?" Then Allāh will say, "O Ibrāhīm! Look behind you!" He will look and there he will see (that his father was changed into) a male hyena covered in dung, which will be caught by the legs and thrown in the (Hell) Fire."^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:445. There are a number of reasons explained for this incident, among them, that Ibrāhīm will not feel disgraced by seeing a dung-covered hyena thrown in the Fire, and that this is the true worth of his father. See the reference given for more comments.}

Tawḥīd Becomes Apparent to Ibrāhīm

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:75وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُرِىٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ مَلَكُوتَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ

«Thus did We show Ibrāhīm the kingdom of the heavens and the earth...» [6:75],

means, when he contemplated about the creation of the heaven and earth, We showed Ibrāhīm the proofs of Allāh's Oneness over His dominion and His creation, which indicate that there is no god or Lord except Allāh. Allāh said in other Āyāt;

Qur’an 10:101قُلِ ٱنظُرُوا۟ مَاذَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ

«Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth."» [10:101], and,

Qur’an 34:9أَفَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ إِن نَّشَأْ نَخْسِفْ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ أَوْ نُسْقِطْ عَلَيْهِمْ كِسَفًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ

«See they not what is before them and what is behind them, of the heaven and the earth? If We will, We sink the earth with them, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily, in this is a sign for every servant who turns to Allāh.» [34:9]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:76فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيْهِ ٱلَّيْلُ

«When the night overcame him» covered him with darkness,

Qur’an 6:76رَءَا كَوْكَبًا

«He saw a Kawkab» a star.

Qur’anقَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَ

«He said: "This is my lord." But when it Afala,» meaning, set, he said,

Qur’an 6:76لَآ أُحِبُّ ٱلْـَٔافِلِينَ

«I like not those that set.» Qatādah commented, "Ibrāhīm knew that his Lord is Eternal and never ceases."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:480.}

Qur’an 6:77–78فَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلْقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَ قَالَ لَئِن لَّمْ يَهْدِنِى رَبِّى لَأَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ فَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلشَّمْسَ بَازِغَةً قَالَ هَٰذَا رَبِّى

«When he saw the moon rising up, he said: "This is my lord." But when it set, he said: "Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among the misguided people." When he saw the sun rising up, he said: "This is my lord."» this radiating, rising star is my lord,

Qur’an 6:78هَٰذَآ أَكْبَرُ

«This is greater» bigger than the star and the moon, and more radiant.

Qur’an 6:78فَلَمَّآ أَفَلَتْ

«But when it Afalat» set,

Qur’an 6:78–79قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ إِنِّى وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِىَ

«he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allāh. Verily, I have turned my face..."», meaning, I have purified my religion and made my worship sincere,

Qur’an 6:79لِلَّذِى فَطَرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ

«"towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth,"» Who originated them and shaped them without precedence,

Qur’anحَنِيفًا

«Ḥanīfan» avoiding Shirk and embracing Tawḥīd. This is why he said next,

Qur’an 6:79وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

«"and I am not of the idolators."»

Prophet Ibrāhīm Debates with his People

We should note here that, in these Āyāt, Ibrāhīm, peace be upon him, was debating with his people, explaining to them the error of their way in worshipping idols and images. In the first case with his father, Ibrāhīm explained to his people their error in worshipping the idols of earth, which they made in the shape of heavenly angels, so that they intercede on their behalf with the Glorious Creator. His people thought that they are too insignificant to worship Allāh directly, and this is why they turned to the worship of angels as intercessors with Allāh for their provisions, gaining victory and attaining their various needs. He then explained to them the error and deviation of worshipping the seven planets, which they said were the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The brightest of these objects and the most honored to them was the Sun, the Moon then Venus. Ibrāhīm, may Allāh's peace and blessings be on him, first proved that Venus is not worthy of being worshipped, for it is subservient to a term and course appointed that it does not defy, nor swerving right or left. Venus does not have any say in its affairs, for it is only a heavenly object that Allāh created and made bright out of His wisdom. Venus rises from the east and sets in the west where it disappears from sight. This rotation is repeated the next night, and so forth. Such an object is not worthy of being a god. Ibrāhīm then went on to mention the Moon in the same manner in which he mentioned Venus, and then the Sun. When he proved that these three objects were not gods, although they are the brightest objects the eyes can see,

Qur’an 6:78قَالَ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ

«he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners in worship with Allāh."»

meaning, I am free from worshipping these objects and from taking them as protectors. Therefore, if they are indeed gods as you claim, then all of you bring your plot against me and do not give me respite.

Qur’an 6:79إِنِّى وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِىَ لِلَّذِى فَطَرَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

«Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth, Ḥanīfan, and I am not one of the idolators.»

meaning, I worship the Creator of these things, Who originated and decreed them, and Who governs their affairs and made them subservient. It is He in Whose Hand is the dominion of all things, and He is the Creator, Lord, King and God of all things in existence. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 7:54إِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ يُغْشِى ٱلَّيْلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۭ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ أَلَا لَهُ ٱلْخَلْقُ وَٱلْأَمْرُ تَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«Indeed your Lord is Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, and then He Istawā (rose over) the Throne. He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars, subjecting them to His command. Surely, His is the creation and commandment. Blessed be Allāh, the Lord of all that exists!» [7:54].

Allāh described Prophet Ibrāhīm,

Qur’an 21:51–52وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ رُشْدَهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا بِهِۦ عَٰلِمِينَ إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِۦ مَا هَٰذِهِ ٱلتَّمَاثِيلُ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنتُمْ لَهَا عَٰكِفُونَ

«And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrāhīm his (portion of) guidance, and We were well-acquainted with him. When he said to his father and his people: "What are these images, to which you are devoted?"» [21:51-52].

Qur’an 6:82–90ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِۦ دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُوسُفَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ كُلٌّ مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ وَٱلْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ وَمِنْ ءَابَآئِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّٰتِهِمْ وَإِخْوَٰنِهِمْ وَٱجْتَبَيْنَٰهُمْ وَهَدَيْنَٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَلَوْ أَشْرَكُوا۟ لَحَبِطَ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحُكْمَ وَٱلنُّبُوَّةَ فَإِن يَكْفُرْ بِهَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ فَقَدْ وَكَّلْنَا بِهَا قَوْمًا لَّيْسُوا۟ بِهَا بِكَٰفِرِينَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ فَبِهُدَىٰهُمُ ٱقْتَدِهْ قُل لَّآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَٰلَمِينَ

These Āyāt indicate that Ibrāhīm was debating with his people about the Shirk they practiced.

Qur’an 6:80–83وَحَآجَّهُۥ قَوْمُهُۥ قَالَ أَتُحَٰٓجُّوٓنِّى فِى ٱللَّهِ وَقَدْ هَدَىٰنِ وَلَآ أَخَافُ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ بِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ رَبِّى شَيْـًٔا وَسِعَ رَبِّى كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَٰنًا فَأَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْأَمْنِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

«80. His people disputed with him. He said: "Do you dispute with me about Allāh while He has guided me, and I fear not those whom you associate with Allāh in worship. (Nothing can happen to me) except when my Lord wills something. My Lord comprehends in His knowledge all things. Will you not then remember?»

«81. And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allāh, while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allāh things for which He has not sent down to you any Sulṭān.(So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know."»

«82. It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Ẓulm (wrong), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.»

«83. And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrāhīm against his people. We in degrees raise whom We will. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.»

Allāh states that His Khalīl, Prophet Ibrāhīm, said when his people mentioned various doubts and disputed with him about the Tawḥīd that he called to:

Qur’an 6:80أَتُحَٰٓجُّوٓنِّى فِى ٱللَّهِ وَقَدْ هَدَىٰنِ

«Do you dispute with me about Allāh while He has guided me?».

The Āyah means, do you argue with me about Allāh, other than Whom there is no god worthy of worship, while He has guided me to the Truth and made me aware of it? Therefore, how can I ever consider your misguided statements and false doubts? Ibrāhīm said next,

Qur’an 6:80وَلَآ أَخَافُ مَا تُشْرِكُونَ بِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ رَبِّى شَيْـًٔا

«and I fear not those whom you associate with Allāh in worship. (Nothing can happen to me) except when my Lord wills something.»

Ibrāhīm said, among the proofs to the falsehood of your creed, is that these false gods that you worship do not bring about any effect, and I do not fear them or care about them. Therefore, if these gods are able to cause harm, then use them against me and do not give me respite. Ibrāhīm's statement,

Qur’an 6:80إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ رَبِّى شَيْـًٔا

«except when my Lord wills something.» means, only Allāh causes benefit or harm.

Qur’an 6:80وَسِعَ رَبِّى كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا

«My Lord comprehends in His knowledge all things.» meaning, Allāh's knowledge encompasses all things and nothing escapes His complete observation,

Qur’an 6:80أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ

«Will you not then remember?» what I explained to you, considering your idols as false gods and refraining from worshipping them? This reasoning from Prophet Ibrāhīm is similar to the argument that Prophet Hūd used against his people, 'Ād. Allāh mentioned this incident in His Book, when He said,

Qur’an 11:53–56قَالُوا۟ يَٰهُودُ مَا جِئْتَنَا بِبَيِّنَةٍ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِتَارِكِىٓ ءَالِهَتِنَا عَن قَوْلِكَ وَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعْتَرَىٰكَ بَعْضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشْهِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشْهَدُوٓا۟ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ إِنِّى تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذٌۢ بِنَاصِيَتِهَآ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«They said: "O Hūd! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. All that we say is that some of our gods have seized you with evil." He said: "I call Allāh to witness - and bear you witness - that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship with Him (Allāh). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allāh, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the straight path (the truth)."» [11:53-56]

Ibrāhīm's statement,

Qur’an 6:81وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشْرَكْتُمْ

«And how should I fear those whom you associate...»

means, how should I fear the idols that you worship instead of Allāh,

Qur’an 6:81وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَٰنًا

«while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allāh things for which He has not sent down to you any Sulṭān.»

meaning, proof, according to Ibn 'Abbās and others among the Salaf.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:491.} Allāh said in similar Āyāt;

Qur’an 42:21أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَٰٓؤُا۟ شَرَعُوا۟ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ

«Or have they partners who have instituted for them a religion which Allāh has not allowed?» [42:21], and,

Qur’an 53:23إِنْ هِىَ إِلَّآ أَسْمَآءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَءَابَآؤُكُم مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَٰنٍ

«They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allāh has sent down no authority.» [53:21]

His statement,

Qur’an 6:81فَأَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْأَمْنِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

«(So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.»

means, which of the two parties is on the truth, those who worship Him in Whose Hand is harm and benefit, or those who worship what cannot bring harm or benefit, without authority to justify worshipping them? Who among these two parties has more right to be saved from Allāh's torment on the Day of Resurrection? Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:82ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ

«It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Ẓulm (wrong), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.»

Therefore, those who worship Allāh alone without partners, will acquire safety on the Day of Resurrection, and they are the guided ones in this life and the Hereafter.

Shirk is the Greatest Ẓulm (Wrong)

Al-Bukhāri recorded that 'Abdullāh said, "When the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:82وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ

«and confuse not their belief with Ẓulm (wrong).»

was revealed, the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ said, 'And who among us did not commit Ẓulm against himself?' The Āyah,

Qur’an 31:13إِنَّ ٱلشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ

«Verily! Joining others in worship with Allāh is a great Ẓulm (wrong) indeed.» [31:13],

was later revealed."^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:144.} Imām Aḥmad recorded that 'Abdullāh said, "When this Āyah was revealed,

Qur’an 6:82ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ

«It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Ẓulm (wrong),»

it was hard on the people. They said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! Who among us did not commit Ẓulm against himself?' He said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ الَّذِي تَعْنُونَ، أَلَمْ تَسْمَعُوا مَا قَالَ الْعَبْدُ الصَّالِحُ

«It is not what you understood from it. Did you not hear what the righteous servant (Luqmān) said,

Qur’an 31:13يَٰبُنَىَّ لَا تُشْرِكْ بِٱللَّهِ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرْكَ لَظُلْمٌ عَظِيمٌ

«O my son! Join not in worship others with Allāh. Verily! Shirk is a great Ẓulm (wrong) indeed.»» [31:13].

Therefore, it is about Shirk.^{3Aḥmad 1:444.}

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:83وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ

«And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrāhīm against his people.»

means, We directed him to proclaim Our proof against them. Mujāhid and others said that 'Our proof' refers to,

Qur’an 6:81وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَٰنًا فَأَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْأَمْنِ

«And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allāh (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allāh things for which He has not sent down to you any Sulṭān. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security?»^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:505.}

Allāh has testified Ibrāhīm's statement and affirmed security and guidance, saying;

Qur’an 6:82ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلْمٍ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلْأَمْنُ وَهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ

«It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Ẓulm, for them there is security and they are the guided.»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:83وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ

«And that was Our proof which We gave Ibrāhīm against his people. We raise in degrees whom We will.» And;

Qur’anإِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

«Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.»

He is All-Wise in His statements and actions, All-Knower of those whom He guides or misguides, and whether the proof was established against them or not. Allāh also said,

Qur’an 10:96–97إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِمْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَلَوْ جَآءَتْهُمْ كُلُّ ءَايَةٍ حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَلِيمَ

«Truly! Those, against whom the Word (wrath) of your Lord has been justified, will not believe. Even if every sign should come to them - until they see the painful torment.» [10:96-97]

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’anإِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

«Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.»

Qur’an 6:84–90وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِن قَبْلُ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِۦ دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُوسُفَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَهَٰرُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ كُلٌّ مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ وَٱلْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ وَمِنْ ءَابَآئِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّٰتِهِمْ وَإِخْوَٰنِهِمْ وَٱجْتَبَيْنَٰهُمْ وَهَدَيْنَٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَلَوْ أَشْرَكُوا۟ لَحَبِطَ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحُكْمَ وَٱلنُّبُوَّةَ فَإِن يَكْفُرْ بِهَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ فَقَدْ وَكَّلْنَا بِهَا قَوْمًا لَّيْسُوا۟ بِهَا بِكَٰفِرِينَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ فَبِهُدَىٰهُمُ ٱقْتَدِهْ قُل لَّآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«84. And We bestowed upon him Isḥāq and Ya'qūb, each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nūḥ and among his progeny Dāwud, Sulaymān, Ayyub, Yūsuf, Mūsā, and Hārūn. Thus do We reward the good-doers.» «85. And Zakariyyā, and Yaḥyā and 'Īsā and Iliyās, each one of them was of the righteous.»

«86. And Ismā'īl and Al-Yasa', and Yūnus and Lūṭ, and each one of them We preferred above the 'Ālamīn (mankind and Jinns, of their times).»

«87. And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren, We chose them, and We guided them to a straight path.»

«88. This is the guidance of Allāh with which He guides whomsoever He wills of His servants. But if they had joined in worship others with Allāh, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.»

«89. They are those whom We gave the Book, Al-Ḥukm, and prophethood. But if they disbelieve therein, then, indeed We have entrusted it to a people who are not disbelievers therein.»

«90. They are those whom Allāh had guided. So follow their guidance. Say: "No reward I ask of you for this (the Qur'ān). It is only a reminder for the 'Ālamīn (mankind and Jinns)."

Ibrāhīm Receives the News of Isḥāq and Ya'qūb During His Old Age

Allāh states that after Ibrāhīm became old and he, and his wife, Sārah, lost hope of having children, He gave them Isḥāq. The angels came to Ibrāhīm on their way to the people of Prophet Lūṭ (to destroy them) and they delivered the good news of a child to Ibrāhīm and his wife. Ibrāhīm's wife was amazed at the news,

Qur’an 11:72–73قَالَتْ يَٰوَيْلَتَىٰٓ ءَأَلِدُ وَأَنَا۠ عَجُوزٌ وَهَٰذَا بَعْلِى شَيْخًا إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَشَىْءٌ عَجِيبٌ قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَعْجَبِينَ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ رَحْمَتُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَٰتُهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ أَهْلَ ٱلْبَيْتِ إِنَّهُۥ حَمِيدٌ مَّجِيدٌ

«She said (in astonishment): "Woe unto me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and here is my husband, an old man? Verily! This is a strange thing!" They said: "Do you wonder at the decree of Allāh? The mercy of Allāh and His blessings be on you, O the family [of Ibrāhīm]. Surely, He (Allāh) is All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious."» [11:72-73]

The angels also gave them the good news that Isḥāq will be a Prophet and that he will have offspring of his own. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 37:112وَبَشَّرْنَٰهُ بِإِسْحَٰقَ نَبِيًّا مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

«And We gave him the good news of Isḥāq a Prophet from the righteous.»[37:112],

which perfects this good news and completes the favor. Allāh said,

Qur’an 11:71بِإِسْحَٰقَ وَمِن وَرَآءِ إِسْحَٰقَ يَعْقُوبَ

«of Isḥāq, and after him, of Ya'qūb...» [11:71],

meaning, this child will have another child in your lifetime, so that your eyes are comforted by him, just as your eyes will be comforted by his father. Certainly, one becomes jubilant and joyous when he becomes a grandfather, because this means that his offspring will continue to exist. It was also expected that if an elderly couple had children, due to the child's weakness, he would have no offspring. This is why Allāh delivered the good news of Isḥāq and of his son Ya'qūb, whose name literally means 'multiplying and having offspring'. This was a reward for Ibrāhīm who left his people and migrated from their land so that he could worship Allāh alone. Allāh compensated Ibrāhīm with better than his people and tribe when He gave him righteous children of his own, who would follow his religion, so that his eyes would be comforted by them. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 19:49فَلَمَّا ٱعْتَزَلَهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَكُلًّا جَعَلْنَا نَبِيًّا

«So when he turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allāh, We gave him Isḥāq and Ya'qūb, and each one of them We made a Prophet.» [19:49]

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:84وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا

«And We bestowed upon him Isḥāq and Ya'qūb, each of them We guided,» Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:84وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِن قَبْلُ

«and before him, We guided Nūḥ...» meaning, We guided Nūḥ before and gave him righteous offspring, just as We guided Ibrāhīm and gave him righteous children.

Qualities of Nūḥ and Ibrāhīm

Each of these two Prophets had special qualities. When Allāh caused the people of the earth to drown, except those who believed in Nūḥ and accompanied him in the ark, Allāh made the offspring of Nūḥ the dwellers of the earth thereafter. Ever since that occurred, the people of the earth were and still are the descendants of Nūḥ. As for Ibrāhīm, Allāh did not send a Prophet after him but from his descendants. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 57:26وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَٰبَ

«And We ordained among his (Ibrāhīm's) offspring prophethood and the Book.» [29:27],

Qur’an 57:26وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَٰبَ

«And indeed, We sent Nūḥ and Ibrāhīm, and placed in their offspring Prophethood and the Book.» [57:26], and,

Qur’an 19:58أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مِن ذُرِّيَّةِ ءَادَمَ وَمِمَّنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّةِ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ وَمِمَّنْ هَدَيْنَا وَٱجْتَبَيْنَآ إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ خَرُّوا۟ سُجَّدًا وَبُكِيًّا

«Those were they unto whom Allāh bestowed His grace from among the Prophets, of the offspring of Ādam, and of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nūḥ, and of the offspring of Ibrāhīm and Isrā'īl and from among those whom We guided and chose. When the verses of the Most Beneficent (Allāh) were recited unto them, they fell down prostrating and weeping.» [19:58]

Allāh said in this honorable Āyah here,

Qur’an 6:84وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِۦ

«and among his progeny...» meaning, We guided from among his offspring,

Qur’anدَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ

«Dāwud, Sulaymān...» from the offspring of Nūḥ, according to Ibn Jarīr.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:507.} It is also possible that the Āyah refers to Ibrāhīm since it is about him that the blessings were originally mentioned here, although Lūṭ is not from his offspring, for he was Ibrāhīm's nephew, the son of his brother Mārān, the son of Āzar. It is possible to say that Lūṭ was mentioned in Ibrāhīm's offspring as a generalization. As Allāh said,

Qur’an 2:133أَمْ كُنتُمْ شُهَدَآءَ إِذْ حَضَرَ يَعْقُوبَ ٱلْمَوْتُ إِذْ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنۢ بَعْدِى قَالُوا۟ نَعْبُدُ إِلَٰهَكَ وَإِلَٰهَ ءَابَآئِكَ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَٰقَ إِلَٰهًا وَٰحِدًا وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ

«Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya'qūb? When he said unto his sons, "What will you worship after me?" They said, "We shall worship your God, and the God of your fathers, Ibrāhīm, Ismā'īl, Isḥāq, One God, and to Him we submit."» [2:133].

Here, Ismā'īl was mentioned among the ascendants of Ya'qūb, although he was Ya'qūb's uncle. Similarly Allāh said,

Qur’an 15:30–31فَسَجَدَ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ كُلُّهُمْ أَجْمَعُونَ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ مَعَ ٱلسَّٰجِدِينَ

«So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together. Except Iblīs - he refused to be among those to prostrate.» [15:30-31].

Allāh included Iblīs in His order to the angels to prostrate, and chastised him for his opposition, all because he was similar to them in that (order), so he was considered among them in general, although he was a Jinn. Iblīs was created from fire while the angels were created from light. Mentioning 'Īsā in the offspring of Ibrāhīm, or Nūḥ as we stated above, is proof that the grandchildren from a man's daughter's side are included among his offspring. 'Īsā is included among Ibrāhīm's progeny through his mother, although 'Īsā did not have a father. Ibn Abi Ḥātim recorded that Abu Ḥarb bin Abi Al-Aswad said, "Al-Ḥajjāj sent to Yaḥyā bin Ya'mar, saying, 'I was told that you claim that Al-Ḥasan and Al-Ḥusayn are from the offspring of the Prophet ﷺ, did you find it in the Book of Allāh? I read the Qur'ān from beginning to end and did not find it.' Yaḥyā said, 'Do you not read in Sūrat Al-An'ām,

Qur’an 6:84وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِۦ دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَٰنَ

«and among his progeny Dāwud, Sulaymān...» until,

Qur’an 6:85وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ

«and Yaḥyā and 'Īsā...»

Al-Ḥajjāj said, 'Yes.' Yaḥyā said, 'Is not 'Īsā from the offspring of Ibrāhīm, although he did not have a father?' Al-Ḥajjāj said, 'You have said the truth."'^{2Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:311.}

For example, when a man leaves behind a legacy, a trust, or gift to his "offspring" then the children of his daughters are included. But if a man gives something to his "sons", or he leaves a trust behind for them, then that would be particular to his male children and their male children. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:87وَمِنْ ءَابَآئِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّٰتِهِمْ وَإِخْوَٰنِهِمْ

«And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren,» [6:87],

mentions that some of these Prophets' ascendants and descendants were also guided and chosen. So Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:87وَٱجْتَبَيْنَٰهُمْ وَهَدَيْنَٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«We chose them, and We guided them to a straight path.»

Shirk Eradicates the Deeds, Even the Deeds of the Messengers

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:88ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ

«This is the guidance of Allāh with which He guides whomsoever He wills of His servants.»

meaning, this occurred to them by Allāh's leave and because He directed them to guidance. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:88وَلَوْ أَشْرَكُوا۟ لَحَبِطَ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«But if they had joined in worship others with Allāh, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.»

This magnifies the serious danger of Shirk and the gravity of committing it. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 39:65وَلَقَدْ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكَ لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ

«And indeed it has been revealed to you, as it was to those (Allāh's Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with Allāh, surely your deeds will be in vain."» [39:65]

'If' here does not mean that this would ever occur, as is similar in Allāh's statement;

Qur’an 43:81قُلْ إِن كَانَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ وَلَدٌ فَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْعَٰبِدِينَ

«Say: "If the Most Beneficent had a son, then I am the first of Allāh's worshippers."» [43:81], and

Qur’an 21:17لَوْ أَرَدْنَآ أَن نَّتَّخِذَ لَهْوًا لَّٱتَّخَذْنَٰهُ مِن لَّدُنَّآ إِن كُنَّا فَٰعِلِينَ

«If We intended to take a pastime (a wife or a son, etc.) We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that)» [21:17], and,

Qur’an 39:4لَّوْ أَرَادَ ٱللَّهُ أَن يَتَّخِذَ وَلَدًا لَّٱصْطَفَىٰ مِمَّا يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْوَٰحِدُ ٱلْقَهَّارُ

«If Allāh willed to take a son, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He created. But glory be to Him! He is Allāh, the One, the Compelling.» [39:4]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:89أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحُكْمَ وَٱلنُّبُوَّةَ

«They are those whom We gave the Book, Al-Ḥukm, and prophethood.»

We bestowed these bounties on them, as a mercy for the servants, and out of our kindness for creation.

Qur’an 6:89فَإِن يَكْفُرْ بِهَا

«But if they disbelieve therein...» in the prophethood, or the three things; the Book, the Ḥukm and the prophethood,

Qur’anهَٰٓؤُلَآءِ

«They...» refers to the people of Makkah, according to Ibn 'Abbās, Sa'īd bin Al-Musayyib, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk, Qatādah, As-Suddi, and others.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:515,516.}

Qur’an 6:89فَقَدْ وَكَّلْنَا بِهَا قَوْمًا لَّيْسُوا۟ بِهَا بِكَٰفِرِينَ

«then, indeed We have entrusted it to a people who are not disbelievers therein.»

This Āyah means, if the Quraysh and the rest of the people of the earth - Arabs and non-Arabs, illiterate and the People of the Scripture - disbelieve in these bounties, then We have entrusted them to another people, the Muhājirūn and Anṣār, and those who follow their lead until the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’an 6:89لَّيْسُوا۟ بِهَا بِكَٰفِرِينَ

«who are not disbelievers therein.»

They will not deny any of these favors, not even one letter. Rather, they will believe in them totally, even the parts that are not so clear to some of them. We ask Allāh to make us among them by His favor, generosity and kindness. Addressing His servant and Messenger, Muḥammad ﷺ, Allāh said;

Qur’anأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ

«They are...» the Prophets mentioned here, along with their righteous fathers, offspring and bretheren,

Qur’an 6:90ٱلَّذِينَ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ

«those whom Allāh had guided.» meaning, they alone are the people of guidance,

Qur’an 6:90فَبِهُدَىٰهُمُ ٱقْتَدِهْ

«So follow their guidance.» Imitate them. This command to the Messenger ﷺ certainly applies to his Ummah, according to what he legislates and commands them. While mentioning this Āyah, Al-Bukhāri recorded that Mujāhid asked Ibn 'Abbās, "Is there an instance where prostration is warranted in [Sūrah] Ṣād?" Ibn 'Abbās said, "Yes." He then recited,

Qur’an 6:91–94وَمَا قَدَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِۦٓ إِذْ قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ بَشَرٍ مِّن شَىْءٍ قُلْ مَنْ أَنزَلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ ٱلَّذِى جَآءَ بِهِۦ مُوسَىٰ نُورًا وَهُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ تَجْعَلُونَهُۥ قَرَاطِيسَ تُبْدُونَهَا وَتُخْفُونَ كَثِيرًا وَعُلِّمْتُم مَّا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنتُمْ وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُكُمْ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ ذَرْهُمْ فِى خَوْضِهِمْ يَلْعَبُونَ وَهَٰذَا كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ مُبَارَكٌ مُّصَدِّقُ ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَلِتُنذِرَ أُمَّ ٱلْقُرَىٰ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَهُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ قَالَ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ وَلَمْ يُوحَ إِلَيْهِ شَىْءٌ وَمَن قَالَ سَأُنزِلُ مِثْلَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ فِى غَمَرَٰتِ ٱلْمَوْتِ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ بَاسِطُوٓا۟ أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ ٱلْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ غَيْرَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَكُنتُمْ عَنْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَٰدَىٰ كَمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَتَرَكْتُم مَّا خَوَّلْنَٰكُمْ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِكُمْ وَمَا نَرَىٰ مَعَكُمْ شُفَعَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُمْ فِيكُمْ شُرَكَٰٓؤُا۟ لَقَد تَّقَطَّعَ بَيْنَكُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنكُم مَّا كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

Qur’anوَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ

«...And We bestowed upon him Isḥāq and Ya'qūb...» until,

Qur’an 6:90فَبِهُدَىٰهُمُ ٱقْتَدِهْ

«...So follow their guidance.» He commented, "He (our Prophet, Muḥammad ﷺ) was among them." In another narration, Mujāhid added that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Your Prophet ﷺ was among those whose guidance we were commanded to follow."^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:144. The reference is to no. 24 of Ṣād (38) where it is mentioned that Dāwud, peace be upon him, prostrated. Since Allāh ordered following what they were guided to in these Āyāt of Al-An'ām, then we should also prostrate at the mention of the Prophets prostrations, according to Ibn 'Abbās.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’anقُل لَّآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا

«Say: "No reward I ask of you for this."» means, I do not ask you for any reward for delivering the Qur'ān to you, nor anything else,

Qur’an 6:90إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَٰلَمِينَ

«"It is only a reminder for the 'Ālamīn (mankind and Jinns)."»

so they are reminded by it and guided from blindness to clarity, from misguidance to guidance, and from disbelief to faith.

Qur’an 6:91وَمَا قَدَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِۦٓ إِذْ قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ بَشَرٍ مِّن شَىْءٍ قُلْ مَنْ أَنزَلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ ٱلَّذِى

Qur’an 6:91–92جَآءَ بِهِۦ مُوسَىٰ نُورًا وَهُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ تَجْعَلُونَهُۥ قَرَاطِيسَ تُبْدُونَهَا وَتُخْفُونَ كَثِيرًا وَعُلِّمْتُم مَّا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنتُمْ وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُكُمْ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ ثُمَّ ذَرْهُمْ فِى خَوْضِهِمْ يَلْعَبُونَ وَهَٰذَا كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ مُبَارَكٌ مُّصَدِّقُ ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَلِتُنذِرَ أُمَّ ٱلْقُرَىٰ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ وَهُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ

«91. They did not estimate Allāh with an estimation due to Him when they said: "Nothing did Allāh send down to any human being (by inspiration)." Say : "Who then sent down the Book which Mūsā brought, a light and a guidance to mankind which you (the Jews) have made into (separate) papersheets, disclosing (some of it) and concealing much. And you were taught that which neither you nor your fathers knew." Say: "Allāh (sent it down)." Then leave them to play in their vain discussions.»

«92. And this is a blessed Book which We have sent down, confirming what came before it, so that you may warn the Mother of Towns and all those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are constant in guarding their Ṣalāh.»

The Messenger is but a Human to Whom the Book was Revealed by Inspiration

Allāh says that those who rejected His Messengers did not give Allāh due consideration. Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid and 'Abdullāh bin Kathīr said that this Āyah was revealed about the Quraysh.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:524.} It was also said that it was revealed about some Jews.

Qur’an 6:91قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ بَشَرٍ مِّن شَىْءٍ

«They said: "Nothing did Allāh send down to any human being (by inspiration)."»

Allāh also, said,

Qur’an 10:2أَكَانَ لِلنَّاسِ عَجَبًا أَنْ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنْهُمْ أَنْ أَنذِرِ ٱلنَّاسَ

«Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired to a man from among themselves (saying): "Warn mankind."» [10:2], and,

Qur’an 17:94–95وَمَا مَنَعَ ٱلنَّاسَ أَن يُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ إِذْ جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ إِلَّآ أَن قَالُوٓا۟ أَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ بَشَرًا رَّسُولًا قُل لَّوْ كَانَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَلَٰٓئِكَةٌ يَمْشُونَ مُطْمَئِنِّينَ لَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَلَكًا رَّسُولًا

«And nothing prevented men from believing when the guidance came to them, except that they said: "Has Allāh sent a man as Messenger?" Say: "If there were on the earth, angels walking about in peace and security, We should certainly have sent down for them from the heaven an angel as a Messenger."» [17:94-95].

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:91وَمَا قَدَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِۦٓ إِذْ قَالُوا۟ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ بَشَرٍ مِّن شَىْءٍ

«They did not estimate Allāh with an estimation due to Him when they said: "Nothing did Allāh send down to any human being (by inspiration)."»

Allāh answered them,

Qur’an 6:91قُلْ مَنْ أَنزَلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ ٱلَّذِى جَآءَ بِهِۦ مُوسَىٰ نُورًا وَهُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ

«Say : "Who then sent down the Book which Mūsā brought, a light and a guidance to mankind?"»

meaning, say, O Muḥammad ﷺ, to those who deny the concept that Allāh sent down Books by revelation, answering them specifically,

Qur’an 6:91مَنْ أَنزَلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ ٱلَّذِى جَآءَ بِهِۦ مُوسَىٰ

«Who then sent down the Book which Mūsā brought?»

in reference to the Tawrāh that you and all others know that Allāh sent down to Mūsā, son of 'Imrān. Allāh sent the Tawrāh as a light and a guidance for people, so that it could shed light on the answers to various disputes, and to guide away from the darkness of doubts. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:91تَجْعَلُونَهُۥ قَرَاطِيسَ تُبْدُونَهَا وَتُخْفُونَ كَثِيرًا

«which you have made into (separate) papersheets, disclosing (some of it) and concealing (much).»

means, you made the Tawrāh into separate sheets which you copied from the original and altered, changed and distorted as you wished. You then said, "this is from Allāh," meaning it is in the revealed Book of Allāh, when in fact, it is not from Allāh. This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:91تَجْعَلُونَهُۥ قَرَاطِيسَ تُبْدُونَهَا وَتُخْفُونَ كَثِيرًا

«which you have made into (separate) papersheets, disclosing (some of it) and concealing (much).» Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:91وَعُلِّمْتُم مَّا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنتُمْ وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُكُمْ

«And you were taught that which neither you nor your fathers knew.»

meaning, Who sent down the Qur'ān in which Allāh taught you the news of those who were before you and the news of what will come after, that neither you nor your fathers had knowledge of. Allāh's statement,

Qur’anقُلِ ٱللَّهُ

«Say: "Allāh."»

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Meaning, 'Say, Allāh sent it down.'" Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:91ثُمَّ ذَرْهُمْ فِى خَوْضِهِمْ يَلْعَبُونَ

«Then leave them to play in their vain discussions.»

leave them to play in ignorance and misguidance until the true news comes to them from Allāh. Then, they will know whether the good end is theirs or for the fearful servants of Allāh. Allāh said,

Qur’anوَهَٰذَا كِتَٰبٌ

«And this is a Book,» the Qur'ān,

Qur’an 6:92أَنزَلْنَٰهُ مُبَارَكٌ مُّصَدِّقُ ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَلِتُنذِرَ أُمَّ ٱلْقُرَىٰ

«Blessed, which We have sent down, confirming which came before it, so that you may warn the Mother of Towns» that is, Makkah,

Qur’an 6:92وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا

«and all those around it...» refering to the Arabs and the rest of the children of Ādam, Arabs and non-Arabs alike. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 7:158قُلْ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا

«Say: "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allāh."» [7:158], and

Qur’an 6:19لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ

«"that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach."» [6:19], and

Qur’an 11:17وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلْأَحْزَابِ فَٱلنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُۥ

«but those of the sects who reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place» [11:17] and,

Qur’an 25:1تَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى نَزَّلَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبْدِهِۦ لِيَكُونَ لِلْعَٰلَمِينَ نَذِيرًا

«Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion to His servant that he may be a warner to the 'Ālamīn (mankind and Jinn).» [25:1], and,

Qur’an 3:20وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْأُمِّيِّـۧنَ ءَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا۟ فَقَدِ ٱهْتَدَوا۟ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَٰغُ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ

«And say to those who were given the Scripture and to those who are illiterates: "Do you submit yourselves?" If they do, they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the Message; and Allāh is All-Seer of (His) servants.» [3:20].

It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs, that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأُعْطِيتُ خَمْسًا لَمْ يُعْطَهُنَّ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ قَبْلِي

«I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me.» The Prophet ﷺ mentioned among these five things,

Ḥadīthوَكَانَ النَّبِيُّ يُبْعَثُ إِلَى قَوْمِهِ خَاصَّةً، وَبُعِثْتُ إِلَى النَّاسِ عَامَّةً

«Every Prophet was sent only to his nation, but I have been sent to all people.»^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri no.519, Muslim 1 : 370.} This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:92وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ

«Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it,»

meaning, those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day, believe in this blessed Book, the Qur'ān, which We revealed to you, O Muḥammad ﷺ,

Qur’an 6:92وَهُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُونَ

«and they are constant in guarding their Ṣalāh.»

for they perform what Allāh ordered them, offering the prayers perfectly and on time.

Qur’an 6:93–94وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ قَالَ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ وَلَمْ يُوحَ إِلَيْهِ شَىْءٌ وَمَن قَالَ سَأُنزِلُ مِثْلَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ فِى غَمَرَٰتِ ٱلْمَوْتِ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ بَاسِطُوٓا۟ أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ ٱلْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ غَيْرَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَكُنتُمْ عَنْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَٰدَىٰ كَمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَتَرَكْتُم مَّا خَوَّلْنَٰكُمْ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِكُمْ وَمَا نَرَىٰ مَعَكُمْ شُفَعَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُمْ فِيكُمْ شُرَكَٰٓؤُا۟ لَقَد تَّقَطَّعَ بَيْنَكُمْ وَضَلَّ عَنكُم مَّا كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

«93. And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allāh, or says: "I have received inspiration," whereas he is not inspired in anything; and who says, "I will reveal the like of what Allāh has revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): "Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against Allāh other than the truth. And you used to reject His Āyāt with disrespect!"»

«94. And truly you have come unto Us alone, as We created you the first time. You have left behind you all that which We had bestowed on you. We see not with you your intercessors whom you claimed to be your partners. Now you and they have been cut off, and all that you used to claim has vanished from you.» None is Worse Than One who Invents a Lie Against Allāh and Claims that Revelation Came to Him

Allāh said,

Qur’anوَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا

«And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allāh,»

Therefore, none is more unjust than one who lies about Allāh claiming that He has partners or a son, or falsely claiming that Allāh sent him as a Prophet;

Qur’an 6:93أَوْ قَالَ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ وَلَمْ يُوحَ إِلَيْهِ شَىْءٌ

«or says: "I have received inspiration," whereas he is not inspired with anything;»

'Ikrimah and Qatādah said that this Āyah was revealed about Mūsāylimah Al-Kadhdhāb.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:533-535. "Al-Kadhdhāb," meaning the Liar. He claimed to be a prophet during the lifetime of Allāh's Messenger ﷺ, then he repented. Later after the death of Allāh's Messenger ﷺ, it is reported that he made claims that are similar or the same.}

Qur’an 6:93وَمَن قَالَ سَأُنزِلُ مِثْلَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ

«and who says, "I will reveal the like of what Allāh has revealed."»

This refers to he, who claims that the lies he invents rival the revelation that came from Allāh. In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 8:31وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَٰتُنَا قَالُوا۟ قَدْ سَمِعْنَا لَوْ نَشَآءُ لَقُلْنَا مِثْلَ هَٰذَآ

«And when Our verses (of the Qur'ān) are recited to them, they say: "We have heard this (the Qur'ān); if we wish we can say the like of this."»

The Condition of These Unjust People Upon Death and on the Day of Resurrection

Allāh, the Most Honored, said,

Qur’an 6:93وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ فِى غَمَرَٰتِ ٱلْمَوْتِ

«And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death...» suffering from the hardhips, agonies and afflictions of death,

Qur’an 6:93وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ بَاسِطُوٓا۟ أَيْدِيهِمْ

«while the angels are stretching forth their hands...» beating them. Allāh said in other Āyāt:

Qur’an 5:28لَئِنۢ بَسَطتَ إِلَىَّ يَدَكَ لِتَقْتُلَنِى

«If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me..» [5:28]and,

Qur’an 60:2وَيَبْسُطُوٓا۟ إِلَيْكُمْ أَيْدِيَهُمْ وَأَلْسِنَتَهُم بِٱلسُّوٓءِ

«And stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you with evil.»[60:2]

Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk and Abu Ṣāliḥ said that, 'stretch forth their hands,' means, 'with torment'.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:539.} In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 8:50وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَٰرَهُمْ

«And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve they smite their faces and their backs.»[8:50]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:93وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ بَاسِطُوٓا۟ أَيْدِيهِمْ

«while the angels are stretching forth their hands»

beating them, until their souls leave their bodies, saying,

Qur’an 6:93أَخْرِجُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمُ

«"Deliver your souls!"» When the disbeliever is near death, the angels will convey the 'good news' to him of torment, vengeance, chains, restraints, Hell, boiling water and the anger of the Most Beneficent, Most Merciful. The soul will then scatter in the body of the disbeliever and refuse to get out of it. The angels will keep beating the disbeliever until his soul exits from his body,

Qur’an 6:93أَخْرِجُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ ٱلْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ غَيْرَ ٱلْحَقِّ

«(Saying): "Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to say about Allāh other than the truth."»

This Āyah means, today, you will be utterly humiliated because you used to invent lies against Allāh and arrogantly refused to follow His Āyāt and obey His Mesengers.

There are many Ḥadīths, of Mutawātir^{3A Ḥadīth reported by numerous routes, having many different narrators at each level of every chain.} grade, that explain what occurs when the believers and disbelievers die, and we will mention these Ḥadīths when explaining Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 14:27يُثَبِّتُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱلْقَوْلِ ٱلثَّابِتِ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ

«Allāh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world, and in the Hereafter.» [14:27]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:94وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَٰدَىٰ كَمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

«And truly you have come unto Us alone as We created you the first time.» [6:94],

and this statement will be said on the Day of Return. In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 18:48وَعُرِضُوا۟ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ صَفًّا لَّقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا كَمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍۭ

«And they will be set before your Lord in rows, (and Allāh will say): "Now indeed, you have come to Us as We created you the first time.'﴿ [18:48],

meaning, just as We started your creation, We brought you back, although you used to deny Resurrection and reject its possibility. Therefore, this is the Day of Resurrection! Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:94وَتَرَكْتُم مَّا خَوَّلْنَٰكُمْ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِكُمْ

«You have left behind you all that which We had bestowed on you.» [6:94],

The wealth and the money that you collected in the life of the world, you left all this behind you. It is recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said,

«يَقُولُ ابْنُ آدَمَ مَالِي مَالِي وَهَلْ لَكَ مِنْ مَالِكَ إِلَّا مَا أَكَلْتَ فَأَفْنَيْتَ، أَوْ لَبِسْتَ فَأَبْلَيْتَ، أَوْ تَصَدَّقْتَ فَأَمْضَيْتَ، وَمَا سِوَى ذَلِكَ فَذَاهِبٌ وَتَارِكُهُ لِلنَّاسِ»

«The Son of Ādam says, 'My money, my money!' But, what part of your money do you have, other than what you eat of it and is thus spent, what you wear and tear and what you gave in chairty and thus remains (in the record of good deeds)? Other than that, you will depart and leave it to the people.»^{4Muslim 4 : 2273.}

Al-Ḥasan Al-Baṣri said, "On the Day of Resurrection, the Son of Ādam will be brought, as if he were a golden chariot and Allāh, the Most Honored, will ask, 'Where is what you collected?' He will reply, 'O Lord! I collected it and left it as intact as ever.' Allāh will say to him, 'O Son of Ādam! Where is what you sent forth for yourself (of righteous, good deeds),' and he will realize that he did not send forth anything for himself." Al-Ḥasan then recited the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:94وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَٰدَىٰ كَمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَتَرَكْتُم مَّا خَوَّلْنَٰكُمْ وَرَآءَ ظُهُورِكُمْ

«And truly you have come unto Us alone as We created you the first time. You have left behind you all that which We had bestowed on you.»

Ibn Abi Ḥātim recorded this statement. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:94وَمَا نَرَىٰ مَعَكُمْ شُفَعَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُمْ فِيكُمْ شُرَكَٰٓؤُا۟

«We see not with you your intercessors whom you claimed to be your partners.»

This chastises and criticizes the disbelievers for the rivals, idols and images that they worshipped in this life, thinking they will avail them in this life and upon Resurrection, if there is Resurrection, as they thought. On the Day of Resurrection, all relationships will be cut off, misguidance will be exposed, and those whom they used to call upon as gods will disappear from them. Allāh will then call them, while the rest of creation is listening,

Qur’anأَيْنَ شُرَكَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

«Where are My (so-called) partners whom you used to assert?» [28:62] And,

Qur’an 26:92–93وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ هَلْ يَنصُرُونَكُمْ أَوْ يَنتَصِرُونَ

«And it will be said to them: "Where are those that you used to worship. Instead of Allāh? Can they help you or help themselves?"» [26:92-93]

Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:94وَمَا نَرَىٰ مَعَكُمْ شُفَعَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ أَنَّهُمْ فِيكُمْ شُرَكَٰٓؤُا۟

«We see not with you your intercessors whom you claimed were partners.»

meaning partners in worship. That is, partners in a share of your worship.

Qur’an 6:94لَقَد تَّقَطَّعَ بَيْنَكُمْ

«Now you and they have been cut off»

or, the Āyah is recited with the meaning: all connections, means, and ties between you and them have been severed.

Qur’an 6:94وَضَلَّ عَنكُم

«and vanished from you» you have lost,

Qur’an 6:94مَّا كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

«all that you used to claim» of hope in the benefit of the idols and rivals (you worshipped with Allāh). Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 2:166–167إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتُّبِعُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ وَرَأَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَسْبَابُ وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوا۟ لَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَتَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تَبَرَّءُوا۟ مِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ حَسَرَٰتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَا هُم بِخَٰرِجِينَ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

«When those who were followed, declare themselves innocent of those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them. And those who followed will say: "If only we had one more chance to return, we would disown them as they have disowned us." Thus Allāh will show them their deeds as regret for them. And they will never get out of the Fire.» [2:166-167], and

Qur’an 23:101فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَلَآ أَنسَابَ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَلَا يَتَسَآءَلُونَ

Qur’an 6:95–101إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ فَالِقُ ٱلْحَبِّ وَٱلنَّوَىٰ يُخْرِجُ ٱلْحَىَّ مِنَ ٱلْمَيِّتِ وَمُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَيِّتِ مِنَ ٱلْحَىِّ ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ فَالِقُ ٱلْإِصْبَاحِ وَجَعَلَ ٱلَّيْلَ سَكَنًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ حُسْبَانًا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلنُّجُومَ لِتَهْتَدُوا۟ بِهَا فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ فَمُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمُسْتَوْدَعٌ قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَفْقَهُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦ نَبَاتَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَأَخْرَجْنَا مِنْهُ خَضِرًا نُّخْرِجُ مِنْهُ حَبًّا مُّتَرَاكِبًا وَمِنَ ٱلنَّخْلِ مِن طَلْعِهَا قِنْوَانٌ دَانِيَةٌ وَجَنَّٰتٍ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُشْتَبِهًا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَٰبِهٍ ٱنظُرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَيَنْعِهِۦٓ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكُمْ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ ٱلْجِنَّ وَخَلَقَهُمْ وَخَرَقُوا۟ لَهُۥ بَنِينَ وَبَنَٰتٍۭ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ بَدِيعُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُۥ وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ تَكُن لَّهُۥ صَٰحِبَةٌ وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

«Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another.» [23:101], and

Qur’an 29:25إِنَّمَا ٱتَّخَذْتُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْثَٰنًا مَّوَدَّةَ بَيْنِكُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ثُمَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ يَكْفُرُ بَعْضُكُم بِبَعْضٍ وَيَلْعَنُ بَعْضُكُم بَعْضًا وَمَأْوَىٰكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ

«You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allāh, and the love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper.» [29:25], and

Qur’an 28:64وَقِيلَ ٱدْعُوا۟ شُرَكَآءَكُمْ فَدَعَوْهُمْ فَلَمْ يَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لَهُمْ

«And it will be said (to them): "Call upon your partners", and they will call upon them, but they will give no answer to them.» [28:64], and

Qur’an 6:22وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوٓا۟

«And the Day whereon We shall gather them all together, then We shall say to those who committed Shirk...» [10:28] until,

Qur’anوَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«And their invented false deities will vanish from them.» [10:30]

Qur’an 6:95–97إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ فَالِقُ ٱلْحَبِّ وَٱلنَّوَىٰ يُخْرِجُ ٱلْحَىَّ مِنَ ٱلْمَيِّتِ وَمُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَيِّتِ مِنَ ٱلْحَىِّ ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ فَالِقُ ٱلْإِصْبَاحِ وَجَعَلَ ٱلَّيْلَ سَكَنًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ حُسْبَانًا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلنُّجُومَ لِتَهْتَدُوا۟ بِهَا فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ

«95. Verily! It is Allāh Who causes the seed grain and the fruit stone to split and sprout. He brings forth the living from the dead, and it is He Who brings forth the dead from the living. Such is Allāh, then how are you deluded away from the truth?»

«96. (He is the) Cleaver of the daybreak. He has appointed the night for resting, and the sun and the moon for reckoning. Such is the measuring of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.»

«97. It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea. We have (indeed) explained in detail Our Āyāt for people who know.»

Recognizing Allāh Through Some of His Āyāt

Allāh states that He causes the seed grain and the fruit stone to split and sprout in the ground, producing various types, colors, shapes, and tastes of grains and produce. The Āyah,

Qur’an 6:95فَالِقُ ٱلْحَبِّ وَٱلنَّوَىٰ

«Who causes the seed grain and the fruit stone to split and sprout.»

is explained by the next statement,

Qur’an 6:95يُخْرِجُ ٱلْحَىَّ مِنَ ٱلْمَيِّتِ وَمُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَيِّتِ مِنَ ٱلْحَىِّ

«He brings forth the living from the dead, and it is He Who brings forth the deed from the living.»

meaning, He brings the living plant from the seed grain and the fruit stone, which is a lifless and inanimate object. Allāh said,

Qur’an 36:33وَءَايَةٌ لَّهُمُ ٱلْأَرْضُ ٱلْمَيْتَةُ أَحْيَيْنَٰهَا وَأَخْرَجْنَا مِنْهَا حَبًّا فَمِنْهُ يَأْكُلُونَ

«And a sign for them is the dead land. We gave it life, and We brought forth from it grains, so that they eat thereof.» [36:33] until,

Qur’an 36:36وَمِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَمِمَّا لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

«as well as of their own (human) kind (male and female), and of that which they know not.» [36:36]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:95وَمُخْرِجُ ٱلْمَيِّتِ مِنَ ٱلْحَىِّ

«and it is He Who brings forth the dead from the living.»

There are similar expressions in meaning such as, He brings the egg from the chicken, and the opposite. Others said that it means, He brings the wicked offspring from the righteous parent and the opposite, and there are other possible meanings for the Āyah. Allāh said,

Qur’anذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ

«Such is Allāh,» meaning, He Who does all this, is Allāh, the One and Only without partners,

Qur’an 6:95فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ

«then how are you deluded away from the truth?»

meaning, look how you are deluded from Truth to the falsehood of worshipping others besides Allāh. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:96فَالِقُ ٱلْإِصْبَاحِ وَجَعَلَ ٱلَّيْلَ سَكَنًا

«(He is the) Cleaver of the daybreak. He has appointed the night for resting,»

means, He is the Creator of light and darkness. Allāh said in the beginning of the Sūrah,

Qur’an 6:1وَجَعَلَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ وَٱلنُّورَ

«And originated the darkness and the light.»

Indeed, Allāh causes the darkness of the night to disappear and brings forth the day, thus bringing brighteness to the world and light to the horizon, while dissipating darkness and ending the night with its depth of darkness and starting the day with its brightness and light. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:54يُغْشِى ٱلَّيْلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ يَطْلُبُهُۥ حَثِيثًا

«He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly.» [7:54]

In this Āyah, Allāh reminds of His ability to create diversified things in opposites, testifying to His perfect greatness and supreme power. Allāh states that He is the Cleaver of the daybreak and mentioned its opposite, when He said,

Qur’an 6:96وَجَعَلَ ٱلَّيْلَ سَكَنًا

«He has appointed the night for resting,»

meaning, created darkness, in order for the creation to become halt and rest during it. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 93:1–2وَٱلضُّحَىٰ وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ

«By the forenoon. And by the night when it is still.» [93:1-2],

Qur’an 92:1–2وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَىٰ وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا تَجَلَّىٰ

«By the night as it envelops. And by the day as it appears in brightness.» [92:1,2] and,

Qur’an 91:3–4وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذَا جَلَّىٰهَا وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَىٰهَا

«And by the day as it shows up (the sun's) brightness. And by the night as it conceals it.» [91:3-4]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:96وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ حُسْبَانًا

«...And the sun and the moon for reckoning.»

means, the sun and the moon have specific orbits, according to a term appointed with magnificent precision that never changes or alters. Both the sun and the moon have distinct positions that they assume in summer and winter, effecting changes in the length of night and day. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 10:5هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ ٱلشَّمْسَ ضِيَآءً وَٱلْقَمَرَ نُورًا وَقَدَّرَهُۥ مَنَازِلَ

«It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the Moon as a light and measured out stages for it.» [10:5],

Qur’an 36:40لَا ٱلشَّمْسُ يَنۢبَغِى لَهَآ أَن تُدْرِكَ ٱلْقَمَرَ وَلَا ٱلَّيْلُ سَابِقُ ٱلنَّهَارِ وَكُلٌّ فِى فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ

«It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit.» [36:40], And,

Qur’an 7:54وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومَ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍۭ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ

«The sun and the moon; and the stars are subjected by His command.» [16:12]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:96ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ

«Such is the measuring of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.»

means, all of this occurs according to the decree and due measurement of the Almighty Who is never resisted or contradicted. He is the Knower of all things and nothing ever escapes His knowledge, not even the weight of an atom on earth or in heavens. Allāh often mentions the creation of the night, the day, the sun and the moon and then ends His Speech by mentioning His attributes of power and knowledge, as in this Āyah above [6:96], and in His statement,

Qur’an 36:37–38وَءَايَةٌ لَّهُمُ ٱلَّيْلُ نَسْلَخُ مِنْهُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فَإِذَا هُم مُّظْلِمُونَ وَٱلشَّمْسُ تَجْرِى لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَّهَا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ

«And a sign for them is the night, We withdraw therefrom the day, and behold, they are in darkness. And the sun runs on its fixed course for a term. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing.» [36:37-38]

In the beginning of Sūrat Ḥā-Mīm As-Sajdah, after mentioning the creation of the heavens and earth and all that is in them, Allāh said:

Qur’an 41:12وَزَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَٰبِيحَ وَحِفْظًا ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ

«And We adorned the nearest (lowest) heaven with lamps (stars) to be an adornment as well as to guard. Such is the decree of Him, the Almighty, the All-Knower.» [41:12]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:97وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلنُّجُومَ لِتَهْتَدُوا۟ بِهَا فِى ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ

«It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea.»

Some of the Salaf said; Whoever believes in other than three things about these stars, then he has made a mistake, and lied against Allāh. Indeed Allāh made them as decorations for the heavens, and to shoot at the Shayāṭīn, and for directions in the dark recesses of the land and sea.

Then, Allāh said,

Qur’anقَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ

«We have explained in detail Our Āyāt.» meaning, We made them clear and plain,

Qur’anلِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ

«for people who know.» who have sound minds and are able to recognize the truth and avoid falsehood.

Qur’an 6:98–99وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ فَمُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمُسْتَوْدَعٌ قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَفْقَهُونَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦ نَبَاتَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَأَخْرَجْنَا مِنْهُ خَضِرًا نُّخْرِجُ مِنْهُ حَبًّا مُّتَرَاكِبًا وَمِنَ ٱلنَّخْلِ مِن طَلْعِهَا قِنْوَانٌ دَانِيَةٌ وَجَنَّٰتٍ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُشْتَبِهًا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَٰبِهٍ ٱنظُرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَيَنْعِهِۦٓ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكُمْ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

«98. It is He Who has created you from a single person, and has given you a place of residing and a place of storage. Indeed, We have explained in detail Our revelations for people who understand.»

«99. It is He Who sends down water from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth green stalks, from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date-palm and its sprouts come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar, yet different. Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and Yan'ih. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe.»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:98وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ

«It is He Who has created you from a single person,» [6:98] in reference to Ādam, peace be upon him. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 4:1يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَآءً

«O mankind! Have Taqwā of your Lord, Who created you from a single person, and from him He created his mate, and from them both He created many men and women.»[4:1]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:98فَمُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمُسْتَوْدَعٌ

«Mustaqar and Mustawda'»

Ibn Mas'ūd, Ibn 'Abbās, Abu 'Abdur-Raḥmān As-Sulami, Qays bin Abu Ḥāzim, Mujāhid, 'Aṭā', Ibrāhīm An-Nakha'ī, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk, Qatādah, As-Suddi and 'Aṭā' Al-Khurāsāni and others said that,

Qur’an 6:98فَمُسْتَقَرٌّ

«Mustaqar», 'in the wombs'. They, or most of them, also said that,

Qur’an 6:98وَمُسْتَوْدَعٌ

«And Mustawda',» means, 'in your father's loins'.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:565-570.} Ibn Mas'ūd and several others said that, Mustaqar, means residence in this life, while, Mustawda', means the place of storage after death (the grave).

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:98قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَفْقَهُونَ

«Indeed, We have explained in detail Our revelations for people who understand.»

refers to those who comprehend and understand Allāh's Words and its meanings. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:99وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً

«It is He Who sends down water (rain) from the sky» in due measure, as a blessing and provision for the servants, relief and means of survival for the creatures and mercy from Allāh for His creation. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:99فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِۦ نَبَاتَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ

«And with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds,» is similar to,

Qur’an 21:30وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ حَىٍّ

«And We have made from water every living thing.» [21:30]

Qur’an 6:99فَأَخْرَجْنَا مِنْهُ خَضِرًا

«and out of it We bring forth green stalks,» green produce and trees, on which We grow seeds and fruits.

Qur’an 6:99نُّخْرِجُ مِنْهُ حَبًّا مُّتَرَاكِبًا

«from which We bring forth thick clustered grain.»

lined on top of each other in clusters, like an ear or spike of grain.

Qur’an 6:99وَمِنَ ٱلنَّخْلِ مِن طَلْعِهَا قِنْوَانٌ

«And out of the date-palm and its sprouts come forth clusters» of dates

Qur’an 6:99دَانِيَةٌ

«hanging low» Within reach and easy to pick. 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah Al-Wālibi said that Ibn 'Abbās said that,

Qur’an 6:99قِنْوَانٌ دَانِيَةٌ

«clusters hanging low» refers to short date trees whose branches hang low, close to the ground. This was recorded by Ibn Jarīr.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:576.}

Allāh's statement

Qur’an 6:99وَجَنَّٰتٍ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ

«and gardens of grapes,» means, We bring forth gardens of grapes. Grapes and dates are the most precious fruits to the people of Al-Ḥijāz (Western Arabia), and perhaps both are the best fruits in this world. Allāh has reminded His servants of His favor in making these two fruits for them, when He said,

Qur’an 16:67وَمِن ثَمَرَٰتِ ٱلنَّخِيلِ وَٱلْأَعْنَٰبِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِنْهُ سَكَرًا وَرِزْقًا حَسَنًا

«And from the fruits of date-palms and grapes, you derive strong drink and a goodly provision.» [16:67]

before intoxicating drinks were prohibited, and;

Qur’an 36:34وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا جَنَّٰتٍ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَٰبٍ

«And We have made therein gardens of date-palms and grapes.» [36:34].

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:99وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُشْتَبِهًا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَٰبِهٍ

«olives and pomegranates, each similar yet different.»

The leaves are similar in shape and appearence, yet different in the shape, and taste. And the kind of fruit each plant produces is different, according to the explanation of Qatādah and several others.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:578.} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:99ٱنظُرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَيَنْعِهِۦٓ

«Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and Yan'ih.»

means, when the fruits become ripe, according to Al-Barā' bin 'Āzib, Ibn 'Abbās, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk, 'Aṭā' Al-Khurāsāni, As-Suddi, Qatādah and others.^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 11:582.}

This Āyah means, contemplate the ability of the Creator of these fruits, Who brought them into existence after they were dry wood, and they later became grapes and dates; and similar is the case with the various colors, shapes, tastes and fragrance of whatever Allāh created. Allāh said,

Qur’an 13:4وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ قِطَعٌ مُّتَجَٰوِرَٰتٌ وَجَنَّٰتٌ مِّنْ أَعْنَٰبٍ وَزَرْعٌ وَنَخِيلٌ صِنْوَانٌ وَغَيْرُ صِنْوَانٍ يُسْقَىٰ بِمَآءٍ وَٰحِدٍ وَنُفَضِّلُ بَعْضَهَا عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فِى ٱلْأُكُلِ

«And in the earth are neighbouring tracts, and gardens of vines, and green crops, and date-palms, growing out, two or three from a single stem root, or otherwise, watered with the same water, yet some of them We make better than others to eat.» [13:4] This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:99إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكُمْ

«In these things there are...» O people,

Qur’an 6:99لَـَٔايَٰتٍ

«signs...» and proofs that testify to the perfect ability, wisdom and mercy of He Who created these things,

Qur’an 6:99لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

«for people who believe.» in Allāh and obey His Messengers.

Qur’an 6:100وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ ٱلْجِنَّ وَخَلَقَهُمْ وَخَرَقُوا۟ لَهُۥ بَنِينَ وَبَنَٰتٍۭ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

«100. Yet, they join the Jinns as partners in worship with Allāh, though He has created them, and they attribute, falsely without knowledge - sons and daughters to Him. Be He Glorified and Exalted above what that they attribute to Him.»

Rebuking the Idolators

This Āyah refutes the idolators who worshipped others besides Allāh and associated the Jinns with Him in worship. Glory be to Allāh above this Shirk and Kufr. If someone asks, how did the idolators worship the Jinns, although they only were idol worshippers? The answer is that in fact, they worshipped the idols by obeying the Jinns who commanded them to do so. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 4:117–120إِن يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ إِلَّآ إِنَٰثًا وَإِن يَدْعُونَ إِلَّا شَيْطَٰنًا مَّرِيدًا لَّعَنَهُ ٱللَّهُ وَقَالَ لَأَتَّخِذَنَّ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ نَصِيبًا مَّفْرُوضًا وَلَأُضِلَّنَّهُمْ وَلَأُمَنِّيَنَّهُمْ وَلَـَٔامُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُبَتِّكُنَّ ءَاذَانَ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ وَلَـَٔامُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُغَيِّرُنَّ خَلْقَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ وَلِيًّا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ خَسِرَ خُسْرَانًا مُّبِينًا يَعِدُهُمْ وَيُمَنِّيهِمْ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا

«They invoke nothing but female deities besides Him, and they invoke nothing but Shayṭān, a persistent rebel! Allāh cursed him. And he [Shayṭān] said: "I will take an appointed portion of your servants. Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allāh." And whoever takes Shayṭān as a protector instead of Allāh, has surely suffered a manifest loss. He [Shayṭān] makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shayṭān's promises are nothing but deceptions.» [4:117-120] and,

Qur’an 18:50أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُۥ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُۥٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِى

«Will you then take him (Iblīs) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me?» [18:50]

Ibrāhīm said to his father,

Qur’an 19:44يَٰٓأَبَتِ لَا تَعْبُدِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ كَانَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ عَصِيًّا

«"O my father! Worship not Shayṭān. Verily! Shayṭān has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allāh)."» [19:44]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 36:60–61أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمْ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ وَأَنِ ٱعْبُدُونِى هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ

«Did I not ordain for you, O Children of Ādam, that you should not worship Shayṭān. Verily, he is a plain enemy to you. And that you should worship Me. That is a straight path.» [36:60-61]

On the Day of Resurrection, the angels will proclaim,

Qur’an 34:41سُبْحَٰنَكَ أَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا مِن دُونِهِم بَلْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْبُدُونَ ٱلْجِنَّ أَكْثَرُهُم بِهِم مُّؤْمِنُونَ

«Glorified be You! You are our Protector instead of them. Nay, but they used to worship the Jinn; most of them were believers in them.» [34:41]

This is why Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:100وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ ٱلْجِنَّ وَخَلَقَهُمْ

«Yet, they join the Jinns as partners in worship with Allāh, though He has created them.» [6:100],

Alone without partners. Consequently, how is it that another deity is being worshipped along with Him? As Ibrāhīm said,

Qur’an 37:95–96قَالَ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مَا تَنْحِتُونَ وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمْ وَمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

«"Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve? While Allāh has created you and what you make!"» [37:95-96]

Allāh alone is the Creator without partners. Therefore, He Alone deserves to be worshipped without partners. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:100وَخَرَقُوا۟ لَهُۥ بَنِينَ وَبَنَٰتٍۭ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ

«And they Kharaqū (attribute falsely) without knowledge, sons and daughters to Him.»

Allāh mentions the misguidance of those who were led astray and claimed a son or offspring for Him, as the Jews did with 'Uzayr, the Christians with 'Īsā and the Arab pagans with the angels whom they claimed were Allāh's daughters. Allāh is far holier than what the unjust, polytheist people associate with Him. The word, Kharaqū, means 'falsely attributed, invented, claimed and lied', according to the scholars of the Salaf. Allāh's statement next,

Qur’an 6:100سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

«Be He Glorified and Exalted above (all) that they attribute to Him.»

means, He is holier than, hallowed, and Exalted above the sons, rivals, equals and partners that these ignorant, misled people attribute to Him.

Qur’an 6:101بَدِيعُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُۥ وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ تَكُن لَّهُۥ صَٰحِبَةٌ وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

«101. He is the Badī' (Originator) of the heavens and the earth. How can He have children when He has no wife? He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.»

Meaning of Badī'

Qur’anبَدِيعُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ

«He is the Badī' of the heavens and the earth»

Meaning He originated, created, invented and brought them into existence without precedence, as Mujāhid and As-Suddi said.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 2:540.} This is why the word for innovation - Bid'ah - comes

Qur’an 6:102–110ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ خَٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَكِيلٌ لَّا تُدْرِكُهُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدْرِكُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ قَدْ جَآءَكُم بَصَآئِرُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَنْ عَمِىَ فَعَلَيْهَا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ عَلَيْكُم بِحَفِيظٍ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَلِيَقُولُوا۟ دَرَسْتَ وَلِنُبَيِّنَهُۥ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ ٱتَّبِعْ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكُوا۟ وَمَا جَعَلْنَٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ وَلَا تَسُبُّوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَيَسُبُّوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَدْوًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ كَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَّا لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ عَمَلَهُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِم مَّرْجِعُهُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ وَأَقْسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ لَئِن جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَةٌ لَّيُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهَا قُلْ إِنَّمَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا يُشْعِرُكُمْ أَنَّهَآ إِذَا جَآءَتْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَنَذَرُهُمْ فِى طُغْيَٰنِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

from it, because it is something that did not have a precedence.

Qur’an 6:101أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُۥ وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ تَكُن لَّهُۥ صَٰحِبَةٌ

«How can He have children when He has no wife?» for the child is the offspring of two compatible spouses. Allāh does not have an equal, none of His creatures are similar to Him, for He alone created the entire creation. Allāh said;

Qur’an 19:88–89وَقَالُوا۟ ٱتَّخَذَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ وَلَدًا لَّقَدْ جِئْتُمْ شَيْـًٔا إِدًّا

«And they say: ''The Most Beneficent (Allāh) has begotten a son." Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing.» [19:88-89], until,

Qur’an 19:95وَكُلُّهُمْ ءَاتِيهِ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فَرْدًا

«And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection.»[19:95].

Qur’an 6:101وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

«He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.»

He has created everything and He is All-Knower of all things. How can He have a wife from His creation who is suitable for His majesty, when there is none like Him? How can He have a child then? Verily, Allāh is Glorified above having a son.

Qur’an 6:102–103ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ خَٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَكِيلٌ لَّا تُدْرِكُهُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدْرِكُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ

«102. Such is Allāh, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him (alone), and He is the Guardian over all things.»

«103. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Subtle, Well-Acquainted (with all things).»

Allāh is Your Lord

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:102ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ

«Such is Allāh, your Lord!» Who created everything and has neither a son nor a wife,

Qur’an 6:102لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ خَٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ

«None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him,»

Alone without partners, and attest to His Oneness, affirming that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. Allāh has neither descendants, nor acsendants, wife, equal or rival,

Qur’an 6:102وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَكِيلٌ

«And He is the Guardian over all things.» meaning, Trustee, Watcher and Disposer of affairs for all things in existence, giving them provisions and protection by day and night.

Seeing Allāh in the Hereafter

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:103لَّا تُدْرِكُهُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ

«No vision can grasp Him» in this life. The vision will be able to look at Allāh in the Hereafter, as affirmed and attested to by the numerous Ḥadīths from the Prophet ﷺ through authentic chains of narration in the collections of the Ṣaḥīḥs, Musnad and Sunan collections. As for this life, Masrūq narrated that 'Ā'ishah said, "Whoever claims that Muḥammad ﷺ has seen his Lord, will have uttered a lie against Allāh, for Allāh the Most Honored, says,

Qur’an 6:103لَّا تُدْرِكُهُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدْرِكُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ

«No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision.»"^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:472, Muslim 1: 159, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 8:441, An-Nasā'ī in Al-Kubrā 6:335, Muslim 6: 49.}

In the Ṣaḥīḥ (Muslim) it is recorded that Abu Mūsā Al-Ash'ari narrated from the Prophet ﷺ,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ اللهَ لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَنْبَغِي لَهُ أَنْ يَنَامَ، يَخْفِضُ الْقِسْطَ وَيَرْفَعُهُ، يُرْفَعُ إِلَيْهِ عَمَلُ النَّهَارِ قَبْلَ اللَّيْلِ، وَعَمَلُ اللَّيْلِ قَبْلَ النَّهَارِ، حِجَابُهُ النُّورُ - أَوِ النَّارُ - لَوْ كَشَفَهُ لَأَحْرَقَتْ سُبُحَاتُ وَجْهِهِ مَا انْتَهَى إِلَيْهِ بَصَرُهُ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ

«Verily, Allāh does not sleep and it does not befit His majesty that He should sleep. He lowers the scale (of everything) and raises it. The deeds of the day are ascended to Him before the night, and the deeds of the night before the day. His Veil is the Light - or Fire - and if He removes it (the veil), the Light of His Face will burn every created thing that His sight reaches.»^{2Muslim 1: 162.}

In the previous [revealed] Books there is this statement, "When Mūsā requested to see Him, Allāh said to Mūsā: 'O Mūsā! Verily, no living thing sees Me, but it dies and no dried things sees me, but it rolls up.' " Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:143فَلَمَّا تَجَلَّىٰ رَبُّهُۥ لِلْجَبَلِ جَعَلَهُۥ دَكًّا وَخَرَّ مُوسَىٰ صَعِقًا فَلَمَّآ أَفَاقَ قَالَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

«So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse to dust, and Mūsā fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers."» [7:143].

These Āyāt, Ḥadīths and statements do not negate the fact that Allāh will be seen on the Day of Resurrection by His believing servants, in the manner that He decides, all the while preserving His might and grace as they are.

The Mother of the Faithful, 'Ā'ishah, used to affirm that Allāh will be seen in the Hereafter, but denied that it could occur in this life, mentioning this Āyah as evidence,

Qur’an 6:103لَّا تُدْرِكُهُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدْرِكُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ

«No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision.»

Her denial was a denial of the ability to encompass Him, meaning to perfectly see His grace and magnificance as He is, for that is not possible for any human, angel or anything created. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:103وَهُوَ يُدْرِكُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ

«but His grasp is over all vision.» means, He encompasses all vision and He has full knowledge of them, for He created them all. In another Āyah, Allāh said;

Qur’an 67:14أَلَا يَعْلَمُ مَنْ خَلَقَ وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ

«Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Subtle, Well Acquainted (with all things).» [67:14]

It is also possible that 'all vision' refers to those who have the vision. As-Suddi said that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:103لَّا تُدْرِكُهُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدْرِكُ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ

«No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision.» means, "Nothing sees Him (in this life), but He sees all creation." Abu Al-'Āliyah said that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:103وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ

«He is the Most Subtle, Well-Acquainted (with all things).»

means, "He is the Most Subtle, bringing forth all things, Well- Acquainted with their position and place." Allāh knows best. In another Āyah, Allāh mentions Luqmān's advice to his son,

Qur’an 31:16يَٰبُنَىَّ إِنَّهَآ إِن تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَكُن فِى صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ أَوْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا ٱللَّهُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ

«O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allāh will bring it forth. Verily, Allāh is Most Subtle, Well Acquainted» [31:16]

Qur’an 6:104–105قَدْ جَآءَكُم بَصَآئِرُ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَنْ عَمِىَ فَعَلَيْهَا وَمَآ أَنَا۠ عَلَيْكُم بِحَفِيظٍ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ وَلِيَقُولُوا۟ دَرَسْتَ وَلِنُبَيِّنَهُۥ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ

«104. Verily, Baṣā'ir (proofs) have come to you from your Lord, so whosoever sees, will do so for (the good of) himself, and whosoever blinds himself, will do so against himself, and I am not a Ḥafīẓ over you.»

«105. Thus We explain variously the verses so that they (the disbelievers) may say: "You have Darasta (studied)" and that We may make the matter clear for the people who have knowledge.»

The Meaning of Baṣā'ir

Baṣā'ir are the proofs and evidences in the Qur'ān and the Message of Allāh's Messenger ﷺ. The Āyah,

Qur’an 6:104فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَلِنَفْسِهِۦ

«so whosoever sees, will do so for (the good of) himself.» is similar to,

Qur’an 10:108فَمَنِ ٱهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِى لِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا

«So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of himself, and whosoever goes astray, he does so at his own loss.» [10:108]

After Allāh mentioned the Baṣā'ir, He said,

Qur’an 6:104وَمَنْ عَمِىَ فَعَلَيْهَا

«And whosoever blinds himself, will do so against himself,» meaning, he will only harm himself. Allāh said,

Qur’an 22:46فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَلَٰكِن تَعْمَى ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلَّتِى فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ

«Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.» [22:46]

Qur’an 6:104وَمَآ أَنَا۠ عَلَيْكُم بِحَفِيظٍ

«And I (Muḥammad) am not a Ḥafiẓ over you.»

neither responsible, nor a watcher over you. Rather, I only convey, Allāh guides whom He wills and misguides whom He wills. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:105وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ

«Thus We explain variously the verses...»[6:105],

meaning, just as We explained the Āyāt in this Sūrah, such as explaining Tawḥīd and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh. This is how We explain the Āyāt and make them plain and clear in all circumstances, to suffice the ignorance of the ignorant; and so that the idolators and disbelievers who deny you say, 'O Muḥammad! You have Dārasta with those who were before you from among the People of the Book and learned with them'. Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid, Sa'īd bin Jubayr and Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk said similarly.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:27.} Aṭ-Ṭabarāni narrated that 'Amr bin Kaysan said that he heard Ibn 'Abbās saying, "Dārasta, means, 'recited, argued and debated.'"^{2Aṭ-Ṭabarāni 11:137.} This is similar to Allāh's statement about the denial and rebellion of the disbelievers,

Qur’an 25:4–5وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ إِفْكٌ ٱفْتَرَىٰهُ وَأَعَانَهُۥ عَلَيْهِ قَوْمٌ ءَاخَرُونَ فَقَدْ جَآءُو ظُلْمًا وَزُورًا وَقَالُوٓا۟ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ ٱكْتَتَبَهَا فَهِىَ تُمْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا

«Those who disbelieve say, "This (the Qur'ān) is nothing but a lie that he has invented, and others have helped him at it, so that they have produced an unjust wrong (thing) and a lie." And they say, "Tales of the ancients, which he has written down, and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon."» [25:4-5]

Allāh described the chief liar of the disbelievers [Al-Walīd bin Al-Mughīrah Al-Makhzūmi],

Qur’an 74:18–25إِنَّهُۥ فَكَّرَ وَقَدَّرَ فَقُتِلَ كَيْفَ قَدَّرَ ثُمَّ قُتِلَ كَيْفَ قَدَّرَ ثُمَّ نَظَرَ ثُمَّ عَبَسَ وَبَسَرَ ثُمَّ أَدْبَرَ وَٱسْتَكْبَرَ فَقَالَ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحْرٌ يُؤْثَرُ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّا قَوْلُ ٱلْبَشَرِ

«Verily, he thought and plotted. So let him be cursed! How he plotted! And once more let him be cursed, how he plotted! Then he thought. Then he frowned and he looked in a bad tempered way. Then he turned back and was proud. Then he said, "This is nothing but magic from that of old. This is nothing but the word of a human being!"» [74:18-25]

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:105وَلِنُبَيِّنَهُۥ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ

«And that We may make the matter clear for the people who have knowledge.»

The Āyah means, so that We explain the matter to a people who know truth, and thus follow it, and know falsehood, and thus avoid it. Allāh's wisdom is perfect, He allows the disbelievers to stray, and He guides the people who have knowledge. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 2:26يُضِلُّ بِهِۦ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِى بِهِۦ كَثِيرًا

«By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby.» [2:26], and;

Qur’an 22:53لِّيَجْعَلَ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَٱلْقَاسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ

«That He (Allāh) may make what is thrown in by Shayṭān a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease and whose hearts are hardened.» [22:53] and,

Qur’an 22:54وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهَادِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«And verily, Allāh is the Guide of those who believe, to the straight path.» [22:54],

Qur’an 74:31وَمَا جَعَلْنَآ أَصْحَٰبَ ٱلنَّارِ إِلَّا مَلَٰٓئِكَةً وَمَا جَعَلْنَا عِدَّتَهُمْ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لِيَسْتَيْقِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَيَزْدَادَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِيمَٰنًا وَلَا يَرْتَابَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَلِيَقُولَ ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ وَٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ مَاذَآ أَرَادَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا كَذَٰلِكَ يُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ جُنُودَ رَبِّكَ إِلَّا هُوَ

«And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number only as a trial for the disbelievers, in order that the People of the Scripture may arrive at a certainty and the believers may increase in faith, and that no doubts may be left for the People of the Scripture and the believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say, "What does Allāh intend by this example?" Thus Allāh leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He.» [74:31], and;

Qur’an 17:82وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا

«And We send down in the Qur'ān that which is a healing and a mercy to the believers, and it increases the wrongdoers in nothing but loss.» [17:82], and,

Qur’an 41:44قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ هُدًى وَشِفَآءٌ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَقْرٌ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِمْ عَمًى أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يُنَادَوْنَ مِن مَّكَانٍۭ بَعِيدٍ

«Say, "It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing. And as for those who disbelieve, there is heaviness in their ears, and it is blindness for them. They are those who are called from a place far away."» [41:44]

There are similar Āyāt that testify that Allāh sent down the Qur'ān as guidance to those who fear Him and that He guides or misguides whom He wills by the Qur'ān.

Qur’an 6:106–107ٱتَّبِعْ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكُوا۟ وَمَا جَعَلْنَٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ

«106. Follow what has been inspired (revealed) to you from your Lord, none has the right to be worshipped but He, and turn aside from the idolators.»

«107. Had Allāh willed, they would not have taken others besides Him in worship. And We have not made you Ḥafiẓ over them nor are you set over them to dispose of their affairs.»

The Command to Follow the Revelation

Allāh commands His Messenger ﷺ and those who followed his path,

Qur’an 6:106ٱتَّبِعْ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ

«Follow what has been inspired to you from your Lord,»

meaning, follow it, obey it and act according to it. What has been revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth, no doubt, and there is no deity worthy of worship except Him,

Qur’an 6:106وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

«and turn aside from the idolators» meaning, forgive them, be forbearing and endure their harm until Allāh brings relief to you, supports you and makes you triumphant over them. Know - O Muḥammad ﷺ - that there is a wisdom behind misleading the idolators, and that had Allāh willed, He would have directed all people to guidance,

Qur’an 6:107وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكُوا۟

«Had Allāh willed, they would not have taken others besides Him in worship.»

Allāh's is the perfect will and wisdom in all decrees and decisions, and He is never questioned about what He does, while they all will be questioned. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:107وَمَا جَعَلْنَٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا

«And We have not made you Ḥafīẓ over them.» means, a watcher who observes their statements and deeds,

Qur’an 6:107وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِوَكِيلٍ

«Nor are you set over them to dispose of their affairs.» or to control their provision. Rather, your only job is to convey, just as Allāh said,

Qur’an 88:21–22فَذَكِّرْ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُذَكِّرٌ لَّسْتَ عَلَيْهِم بِمُصَيْطِرٍ

«So remind them, you are only one who reminds. You are not a dictator over them.» [88:21-22] and,

Qur’an 13:40فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَٰغُ وَعَلَيْنَا ٱلْحِسَابُ

«Your duty is only to convey and on Us is the reckoning.» [13:40]

Qur’an 6:108وَلَا تَسُبُّوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَيَسُبُّوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَدْوًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ كَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَّا لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ عَمَلَهُمْ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِم مَّرْجِعُهُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«108. And insult not those whom they worship besides Allāh, lest they insult Allāh wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall inform them of all that they used to do.»

The Prohibition of Insulting the False gods of the Disbelievers, So that they Do not Insult Allāh

Allāh prohibits His Messenger ﷺ and the believers from insulting the false deities of the idolators, although there is a clear benefit in doing so. Insulting their deities will lead to a bigger evil than its benefit, for the idolators might retaliate by insulting the God of the believers, Allāh, none has the right to be worshipped but He.

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah said that Ibn 'Abbās commented on this Āyah [6:108]; "They (disbelievers) said, 'O Muḥammad! You will stop insulting our gods, or we will insult your Lord.' Thereafter, Allāh prohibited the believers from insulting the disbelievers' idols,

Qur’an 6:108فَيَسُبُّوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَدْوًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ

«lest they insult Allāh wrongfully without knowledge.»^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:34.}

'Abdur-Razzāq narrated that Ma'mar said that Qatādah said, "Muslims used to insult the idols of the disbelievers and the disbelievers would retaliate by insulting Allāh wrongfully without knowledge. Allāh revealed,

Qur’an 6:108وَلَا تَسُبُّوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ

«And insult not those whom they worship besides Allāh.»^{2'Abdur-Razzāq 2:215.}

On this same subject - abandoning what carries benefit to avert a greater evil - it is recorded in the Ṣaḥīḥ that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthمَلْعُونٌ مَنْ سَبَّ وَالِدَيْهِ

«Cursed is he who insults his own parents!»

They said, "O Allāh's Messenger! And how would a man insult his own parents?" He said,

Ḥadīthيَسُبُّ أَبَا الرَّجُلِ فَيَسُبُّ أَبَاهُ وَيَسُبُّ أُمَّهُ فَيَسُبُّ أُمَّهُ

«He insults a man's father, and that man insults his father, and insults his mother and that man insults his mother.»^{3Fatḥ Al-Bāri 10:417.}

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:108كَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَّا لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ عَمَلَهُمْ

«Thus We have made fair seeming to each people its own doings;»

means, as We made fair seeming to the idolators loving their idols and defending them, likewise We made fair seeming to every previous nation the misguidance they indulged in. Allāh's is the most perfect proof, and the most complete wisdom in all that He wills and chooses.

Qur’an 6:108ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِم مَّرْجِعُهُمْ

«then to their Lord is their return,» gathering and final destination,

Qur’an 6:108فَيُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do.»

He will compensate them for their deeds, good for good and evil for evil.

Qur’an 6:109–110وَأَقْسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ لَئِن جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَةٌ لَّيُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهَا قُلْ إِنَّمَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا يُشْعِرُكُمْ أَنَّهَآ إِذَا جَآءَتْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَنَذَرُهُمْ فِى طُغْيَٰنِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

«109. And they swear their strongest oaths by Allāh, that if there came to them a sign, they would surely believe therein. Say: "Signs are but with Allāh and what will make you perceive that (even) if it came, they will not believe?"»

«110. And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away, as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly.»

Asking for Miracles and Swearing to Believe if They Come

Allāh states that the idolators swore their strongest oaths by Allāh,

Qur’an 6:109لَئِن جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَةٌ

«that if there came to them a sign...» a miracle or phenomenon,

Qur’an 6:109لَّيُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهَا

«they would surely believe therein.» affirming its truth,

Qur’an 6:109قُلْ إِنَّمَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ

«Say: "Signs are but with Allāh."» [6:109]

meaning: Say, O Muḥammad ﷺ - to those who ask you for signs out of defiance, disbelief and rebellion, not out of the desire for guidance and knowledge - "The matter of sending signs is for Allāh. If He wills, He sends them to you, and if He wills, He ignores your request." Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:109وَمَا يُشْعِرُكُمْ أَنَّهَآ إِذَا جَآءَتْ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«And what will make you perceive that (even) if it came, they will not believe?»

It was said that 'you' in 'make you preceive' refers to the idolators, according to Mujāhid. In this case, the Āyah would mean, what makes you - you idolators - preceive that you are truthful in the vows that you swore? Therefore, in this recitation, the Āyah means, the idolators will still not believe if the sign that they asked for came. It was also said that 'you' in, 'what will make you preceive', refers to the believers, meaning, what will make you preceive, O believers, that the idolators will still not believe if the signs come. Allāh also said,

Qur’an 7:12مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ

«"What prevented you (O Iblīs) that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?"» [7:12] and,

Qur’an 21:95وَحَرَٰمٌ عَلَىٰ قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَٰهَآ أَنَّهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ

«And a ban is laid on every town (population) which We have destroyed that they shall not return (to this world again).» [21:95]

These Āyāt mean: 'What made you, O Iblīs, refrain from prostrating, although I commanded you to do so, and, in the second Āyah, that village shall not return to this world again. In the Āyah above [6:109], the meaning thus becomes: What makes you perceive, O believers, who wish eagerly for the disbelievers to believe, that if the Āyāt came to them they would believe?

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:110وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

«And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away, as they refused to believe therein for the first time,»

Al-'Awfi said that Ibn 'Abbās said about this Āyah, "When the idolators rejected what Allāh sent down, their hearts did not settle on any one thing and they turned away from every matter (of benefit)."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:44.} Mujāhid said that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:110وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ

«and We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away,»

means, We prevent them from the faith, and even if every sign came to them, they will not believe, just as We prevented them from faith the first time. Similar was said by 'Ikrimah and 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam. 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Allāh mentions what the servants will say before they say it and what they will do before they do it. Allāh said;

Qur’an 35:14وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثْلُ خَبِيرٍ

«And none can inform you like Him Who is the All-Knower.» [35:14] and,

Qur’an 39:56أَن تَقُولَ نَفْسٌ يَٰحَسْرَتَىٰ عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطتُ فِى جَنۢبِ ٱللَّهِ

«Lest a person should say, "Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allāh."» [39:56] until,

Qur’an 39:58لَوْ أَنَّ لِى كَرَّةً فَأَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

«"If only I had another chance, then I should indeed be among the doers of good."» [39:58].

So Allāh, glory be to Him, states that if they were sent back

Qur’an 6:111–118وَلَوْ أَنَّنَا نَزَّلْنَآ إِلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ وَكَلَّمَهُمُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَحَشَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ قُبُلًا مَّا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَجْهَلُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّا شَيَٰطِينَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلْجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ ٱلْقَوْلِ غُرُورًا وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ وَلِتَصْغَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَفْـِٔدَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَلِيَرْضَوْهُ وَلِيَقْتَرِفُوا۟ مَا هُم مُّقْتَرِفُونَ أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبْتَغِى حَكَمًا وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مُفَصَّلًا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُۥ مُنَزَّلٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ فَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِن كُنتُم بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦ مُؤْمِنِينَ

to life, they would not accept the guidance,

Qur’an 6:28وَلَوْ رُدُّوا۟ لَعَادُوا۟ لِمَا نُهُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ

«But if they were returned, they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars.» [6:28] Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:110وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْـِٔدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَٰرَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

«And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time,» meaning: 'If they were sent back to this life, they would be prevented from embracing the guidance, just as We prevented them from it the first time, when they were in the life of this world.”^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:45.} Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:110وَنَذَرُهُمْ

«and We shall leave them...» and abandon them,

Qur’anفِى طُغْيَٰنِهِمْ

«in their trespass...» meaning, disbelief, according to Ibn 'Abbās and As-Suddi. Abu Al-'Āliyah, Ar-Rabī' bin Anas and Qatādah said that 'their trespass' means, 'their misguidance'.

Qur’anيَعْمَهُونَ

«to wander blindly» or playfully, according to Al-A'mash. Ibn 'Abbās, Mujāhid, Abu Al-'Āliyah, Ar-Rabī', Abu Mālik and others commented, "to wander in their disbelief."

Qur’an 6:111وَلَوْ أَنَّنَا نَزَّلْنَآ إِلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ وَكَلَّمَهُمُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَحَشَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ قُبُلًا مَّا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَجْهَلُونَ

«111. And even if We had sent down unto them angels, and the dead had spoken unto them, and We had gathered together all things before them, they would not have believed, unless Allāh willed, but most of them behave ignorantly.»

Allāh says: 'Had We accepted what the disbelievers asked for,' that is – those who swore their strongest oaths by Allāh that if a miracle came to them they would believe in it – 'had We sent down angels,' to convey to them Allāh's Message, in order to support the truth of the Messengers, as they asked, when they said,

Qur’an 17:92أَوْ تَأْتِىَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ قَبِيلًا

«or you bring Allāh and the angels before (us) face to face.» [17:92]

Qur’an 6:124قَالُوا۟ لَن نُّؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ رُسُلُ ٱللَّهِ

«They said: ‘‘We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allāh had received.’’» [6:124] and,

Qur’an 25:21وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ أَوْ نَرَىٰ رَبَّنَا لَقَدِ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَعَتَوْ عُتُوًّا كَبِيرًا

«And those who expect not a meeting with Us said: ‘‘Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?" Indeed they think too highly of themselves, and are scornful with great pride.» [25:21]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:111وَكَلَّمَهُمُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ

«and the dead had spoken unto them,»

This is, to inform them of the truth of what the Messengers brought them;

Qur’an 6:111وَحَشَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ كُلَّ شَىْءٍ قُبُلًا

«and We had gathered together all things before them,» before their eyes, as 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah and Al-'Awfi reported from Ibn 'Abbās. This is the view of Qatādah and 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam. This Āyah means, if all nations were gathered before them, one after the other, and each one testifies to the truth of what the Messengers came with,

Qur’an 6:111مَّا كَانُوا۟ لِيُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ

«they would not have believed, unless Allāh willed,» for guidance is with Allāh not with them. Certainly, Allāh guides whom He wills and misguides whom He wills, and He does what He wills,

Qur’an 21:23لَا يُسْـَٔلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْـَٔلُونَ

«He cannot be questioned about what He does, while they will be questioned.» [21:23], This is due to His knowledge, wisdom, power, supreme authority and irresistibility. Similarly, Allāh said,

Qur’an 10:96–97إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِمْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَلَوْ جَآءَتْهُمْ كُلُّ ءَايَةٍ حَتَّىٰ يَرَوُا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلْأَلِيمَ

«Truly, those, against whom the Word (wrath) of your Lord has been justified, will not believe. Even if every sign should come to them, until they see the painful torment.» [10:96-97]

Qur’an 6:112–113وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّا شَيَٰطِينَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلْجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ ٱلْقَوْلِ غُرُورًا وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ وَلِتَصْغَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَفْـِٔدَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَلِيَرْضَوْهُ وَلِيَقْتَرِفُوا۟ مَا هُم مُّقْتَرِفُونَ

«112. And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayāṭīn among mankind and Jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion. If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it; so leave them alone with their fabrications.» «113. And Taṣghā to it that the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter may incline to such (deceit), and that they may remain pleased with it, and that they may commit what they are committing.»

Every Prophet Has Enemies Allāh says, just as We made enemies for you, O Muḥammad, who will oppose and rebel against you and become your adversaries, We also made enemies for every Prophet who came before you. Therefore, do not be saddened by this fact. Allāh said in other Āyāt:

Qur’an 6:34وَلَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَصَبَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَا كُذِّبُوا۟ وَأُوذُوا۟

«Verily, Messengers were denied before you, but with patience they bore the denial, and they were hurt...» [6:34], and,

Qur’an 41:43مَّا يُقَالُ لَكَ إِلَّا مَا قَدْ قِيلَ لِلرُّسُلِ مِن قَبْلِكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو مَغْفِرَةٍ وَذُو عِقَابٍ أَلِيمٍ

«Nothing is said to you except what was said to the Messengers before you. Verily, your Lord is the Possessor of forgiveness, and (also) the Possessor of painful punishment.» [41:43] and,

Qur’an 25:31وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّا مِّنَ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the criminals.» [25:31]. Waraqah bin Nawfal said to Allāh's Messenger ﷺ, "None came with what you came with but he was the subject of enmity."^{1Al-Bukhāri no: 3} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:112شَيَٰطِينَ ٱلْإِنسِ

«Shayāṭīn among mankind...» refers to,

Qur’anعَدُوًّا

«enemies...» meaning, the Prophets have enemies among the devils of mankind and the devils of the Jinns. The word, Shayṭān, describes one who is dissimilar to his kind due to his or her wickedness. Indeed, only the Shayāṭīn, may Allāh humiliate and curse them, from among mankind and the Jinns oppose the Messengers. 'Abdur-Razzāq said that Ma'mar narrated that Qatādah commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:112شَيَٰطِينَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلْجِنِّ

«Shayāṭīn (devils) among mankind and Jinn...» "There are devils among the Jinns and devils among mankind who inspire each other." Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:112يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ ٱلْقَوْلِ غُرُورًا

«inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion.» means, they inspire each other with beautified, adorned speech that deceives the ignorant who hear it,

Qur’an 6:112وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ

«If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it;» for all this occurs by Allāh's decree, will and decision, that every Prophet had enemies from these devils,

Qur’anفَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ

«so leave them alone with their fabrications.» and lies. This Āyah orders patience in the face of the harm of the wicked and to trust in Allāh against their enmity, for, "Allāh shall suffice for you (O Muḥammad) and aid you against them." Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:113وَلِتَصْغَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ

«And Taṣghā to it.» means, according to Ibn 'Abbās, "incline to it."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:58}

Qur’an 6:113أَفْـِٔدَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ

«the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter...» their hearts, mind and hearing. As-Suddi said that this Āyah refers to the hearts of the disbelievers.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:59}

Qur’an 6:113وَلِيَرْضَوْهُ

«And that they may remain pleased with it.» they like and adore it. Only those who disbelieve in the Hereafter accept this evil speech, being enemies of the Prophets, etc., just as Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 37:161–163فَإِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مَآ أَنتُمْ عَلَيْهِ بِفَٰتِنِينَ إِلَّا مَنْ هُوَ صَالِ ٱلْجَحِيمِ

«So, verily, you (pagans) and those whom you worship (idols). Cannot lead astray. Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!» [37:161-163] and,

Qur’an 51:8–9إِنَّكُمْ لَفِى قَوْلٍ مُّخْتَلِفٍ يُؤْفَكُ عَنْهُ مَنْ أُفِكَ

«Certainly, you have different ideas. Turned aside therefrom is he who is turned aside.» [51:8-9]

Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:113وَلِيَقْتَرِفُوا۟ مَا هُم مُّقْتَرِفُونَ

«And that they may commit what they are committing.»

meaning, "let them earn whatever they will earn", according to 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah who reported this from Ibn 'Abbās.^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:59} As-Suddi and Ibn Zayd also commented, "Let them do whatever they will do." ^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:60}

Qur’an 6:114–115أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبْتَغِى حَكَمًا وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مُفَصَّلًا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُۥ مُنَزَّلٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

«114. [Say:] "Shall I seek a judge other than Allāh while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book, explained in detail." Those unto whom We gave the Scripture know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt.»

«115. And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.»

Allāh tells His Prophet ﷺ to say to these polytheists who worship others besides Allāh,

Qur’an 6:114أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبْتَغِى حَكَمًا

«Shall I seek a judge other than Allāh...» between you and I,

Qur’an 6:114وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مُفَصَّلًا

«while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book, explained...» in detail,

Qur’an 6:114وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ

«and those unto whom We gave the Scripture» the Jews and the Christians,

Qur’an 6:114يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُۥ مُنَزَّلٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ

«know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth.» because the previous Prophets have conveyed the good news of you coming to them. Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:114فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ

«So be not you of those who doubt.» is similar to His other statement,

Qur’an 10:94فَإِن كُنتَ فِى شَكٍّ مِّمَّآ أَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ فَسْـَٔلِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَقْرَءُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكَ لَقَدْ جَآءَكَ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ

«So if you are in doubt concerning that which We have revealed unto you, then ask those who are reading the Book before you. Verily, the truth has come to you from your Lord. So be not of those who doubt (it).» [10:94] The conditional 'if' in this Āyah does not mean that 'doubt' will ever occur to the Prophet ﷺ . Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:115وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا

«And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice.» Qatādah commented, "In truth concerning what He stated and in justice concerning what He decided."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:63} Surely, whatever Allāh says is the truth and He is Most Just in what He commands. All of Allāh's statements are true, there is no doubt or cause for speculation about this fact, and all His commandments are pure justice, besides which there is no justice. All that He forbade is evil, for He only forbids what brings about evil consequences. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 7:157يَأْمُرُهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَىٰهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ

«He commands them with good; and forbids them from evil...» [7:157] until the end of the Āyah.

Qur’an 6:115لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَٰتِهِۦ

«None can change His Words.» meaning, none can avert Allāh's judgment whether in this life or the Hereafter,

Qur’anوَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ

«And He is the All-Hearer,» Hearing, His servants' statements,

Qur’anٱلْعَلِيمُ

«The All-Knower.» of their activities and lack of activity, Who awards each according to their deeds.

Qur’an 6:116–117وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

«116. And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allāh's path. They follow nothing but conjecture, and they do nothing but lie.» «117. Verily, your Lord! It is He Who knows best who strays from His way, and He knows best the rightly guided.»

Most People are Misguided Allāh states that most of the people of the earth, are misguided. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 37:71وَلَقَدْ ضَلَّ قَبْلَهُمْ أَكْثَرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ

«And indeed most of the men of old went astray before them.» [37:71] and,

Qur’an 12:103وَمَآ أَكْثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ

«And most of mankind will not believe even if you eagerly desire it.»[12:103]

Qur’an 6:119–124وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلَّا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا مَا ٱضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا لَّيُضِلُّونَ بِأَهْوَآئِهِم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ وَذَرُوا۟ ظَٰهِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُۥٓ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ ٱلْإِثْمَ سَيُجْزَوْنَ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَقْتَرِفُونَ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِسْقٌ وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَٰدِلُوكُمْ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ أَوَمَن كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَٰهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُۥ نُورًا يَمْشِى بِهِۦ فِى ٱلنَّاسِ كَمَن مَّثَلُهُۥ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِّنْهَا كَذَٰلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرْيَةٍ أَكَٰبِرَ مُجْرِمِيهَا لِيَمْكُرُوا۟ فِيهَا وَمَا يَمْكُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ وَإِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَةٌ قَالُوا۟ لَن نُّؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ رُسُلُ ٱللَّهِ ٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ حَيْثُ يَجْعَلُ رِسَالَتَهُۥ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا۟ صَغَارٌ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَعَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَمْكُرُونَ

They are misguided, yet they have doubts about their way, and they rely on wishful thinking and delusions.

« إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ »

Qur’anإِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ

«They follow nothing but conjecture, and they do nothing but lie.» Thus, they fulfill Allāh's decree and decision concerning them,

Qur’an 6:117هُوَ أَعْلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ

«It is He Who knows best who strays from His way.» and facilitates that for him,

Qur’an 6:117وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ

«And He knows best the rightly guided.» He facilitates that for them, all of them are facilitated for what He created them.

Qur’an 6:118–119فَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِن كُنتُم بِـَٔايَٰتِهِۦ مُؤْمِنِينَ وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلَّا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا مَا ٱضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا لَّيُضِلُّونَ بِأَهْوَآئِهِم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ

«118. So eat of that on which Allāh's Name has been mentioned, if you are believers in His Āyāt.»

«119. And why should you not eat of that on which Allāh's Name has been mentioned, while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity? And surely, many do lead astray by their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows best the transgressors.»

Allowing What was Slaughtered in the Name of Allāh

This is a statement of permission from Allāh, for His servants, allowing them to eat the slaughtered animals werein His Name was mentioned when slaughtering them. It is understood from it that He has not allowed that over which Allāh's Name was not mentioned when slaughtering. This was the practice of the pagans of Quraysh who used to eat dead animals and eat what was slaughtered for the idols.

Allāh next encourages eating from the meat of sacrificed animals on which His Name was mentioned upon slaughtering,

Qur’an 6:119وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلَّا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا ذُكِرَ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَقَدْ فَصَّلَ لَكُم مَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ

«And why should you not eat of that on which Allāh's Name has been mentioned, while He has explained to you what is forbidden to you...»

meaning, He has explained and made clear to you what He has prohibited for you in detail,

Qur’an 6:119إِلَّا مَا ٱضْطُرِرْتُمْ إِلَيْهِ

«except under compulsion of necessity.»

In which case, you are allowed to eat whatever you can find. Allāh next mentions the ignorance of the idolators in their misguided ideas, such as eating dead animals and what was sacrificed while other than Allāh's Name was mentioned when slaughtering them. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:119وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا لَّيُضِلُّونَ بِأَهْوَآئِهِم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ

«And surely, many do lead astray by their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows best the transgressors.»

He has complete knowledge of their transgression, lies and inventions.

Qur’an 6:120وَذَرُوا۟ ظَٰهِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُۥٓ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ ٱلْإِثْمَ سَيُجْزَوْنَ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَقْتَرِفُونَ

«120. Leave sin, open and secret. Verily, those who commit sin will get due recompense for that which they used to commit.» Mujāhid said that,

Qur’an 6:120وَذَرُوا۟ ظَٰهِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُۥٓ

«Leave evil, open and secret...»

refers to all kinds of sins committed in public and secret.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:73} Qatādah said that,

Qur’an 6:120وَذَرُوا۟ ظَٰهِرَ ٱلْإِثْمِ وَبَاطِنَهُۥٓ

«Leave sin, open and secret...»

encompasses sins committed in public and secret, whether few or many.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:72} In another statement, Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:33قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ ٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ

«Say: "(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawāḥish (evil sins) whether committed openly or secretly.» [7:33]

This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:120إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكْسِبُونَ ٱلْإِثْمَ سَيُجْزَوْنَ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَقْتَرِفُونَ

«Verily, those who commit sin will get due recompense for that which they used to commit.»

Whether the sins they committed were public or secret, Allāh will compensate them for these sins. Ibn Abi Ḥātim recorded that An-Nawwās bin Sam'ān said, "I asked Allāh's Messenger ﷺ about Al-Ithm. He said,

Ḥadīthالْإِثْمُ مَا حَاكَ فِي صَدْرِكَ وَكَرِهْتَ أَنْ يَطَّلِعَ النَّاسُ عَلَيْهِ

«The sin is that which you find in your heart and you dislike that people become aware of it.»^{3Muslim 4:1980}

Qur’an 6:121وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِسْقٌ وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَٰدِلُوكُمْ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ

«121. Eat not of that on which Allāh's Name has not been pronounced, for surely it is disobedience. And certainly, the Shayāṭīn do inspire their friends to dispute with you, and if you obey them, then you would indeed be polytheists.»

The Prohibition of what was Slaughtered in other than Allāh's Name

This Āyah is used to prove that slaughtered animals are not lawful when Allāh's Name is not mentioned over them - even if slaughtered by a Muslim. The Āyah about hunting game,

Qur’an 5:4فَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّآ أَمْسَكْنَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ

«So eat of what they (trained hunting dogs or birds of prey) catch for you, but pronounce the Name of Allāh over it.» [5:4]

supports this. The Āyah here emphasized this ruling, when Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:121وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِسْقٌ

«for surely it is disobedience.»

They say that "it" refers to eating it, and others say that it refers to the sacrifice for other than Allāh. There are various Ḥadīths that order mentioning Allāh's Name when slaughtering and hunting. The Ḥadīth narrated by 'Adi bin Ḥātim and Abu Tha'labah (that the Prophet ﷺ said);

Ḥadīthإِذَا أَرْسَلْتَ كَلْبَكَ الْمُعَلَّمَ وَذَكَرْتَ اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ فَكُلْ مَا أَمْسَكَ عَلَيْكَ

«When you send your trained hunting dog and mention Allāh's Name on releasing it, then eat from whatever it catches for you.»

This Ḥadīth was collected in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:524 and 9:137 and Muslim 3:1529 and 3:1532} The Rāfi' bin Khadīj narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said;

Ḥadīthمَا أَنْهَرَ الدَّمَ وَذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ فَكُلُوهُ

«You can use what would make blood flow (i.e., slaughter) and you can eat what is slaughtered and the Name of Allāh is mentioned at the time of slaughtering.»

This Ḥadīth was also collected in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:546 and Muslim 3:1558} Ibn Mas'ūd narrated that Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said to the Jinns.

Ḥadīthلَكُمْ كُلُّ عَظْمٍ ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ

«(For food) you have every bone on which Allāh's Name was mentioned on slaughtering.» Muslim collected this Ḥadīth.^{3Muslim 1:332}

Jundub bin Sufyān Al-Bajali said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthمَنْ ذَبَحَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ فَلْيَذْبَحْ مَكَانَهَا أُخْرَى، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ ذَبَحَ، حَتَّى صَلَّيْنَا فَلْيَذْبَحْ بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ

«Whoever slaughtered before he prayed (the 'Īd prayer), let him slaughter another sacrifice in its place. Whoever did not offer the sacrifice before we finished the prayer, let him slaughter and mention Allāh's Name.» The Two Ṣaḥīḥs recorded this Ḥadīth.^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:546 and Muslim 3:1551}

The Devil's Inspiration

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:121وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَٰدِلُوكُمْ

«And certainly, the Shayāṭīn do inspire their friends to dispute with you,»

Ibn Abi Ḥātim recorded that Abu Isḥāq said that a man said to Ibn 'Umar that Al-Mukhtār claimed that he received revelation. So Ibn 'Umar said, "He has said the truth," and recited this Āyah,

Qur’an 6:121وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ

«And certainly, the Shayāṭīn do inspire their friends...»^{5Ibn Abi Ḥātim 4:1379}

Abu Zamīl said, "I was sitting next to Ibn 'Abbās at a time when Al-Mukhtār bin Abi 'Ubayd was performing Ḥajj. So a man came to Ibn 'Abbās and said, 'O Ibn 'Abbās! Abu Isḥāq (Al-Mukhtār) claimed that he received revelation this night.' Ibn 'Abbās said, He has said the truth.' I was upset and said, 'Ibn 'Abbās says that Al-Mukhtār has said the truth?' Ibn 'Abbās replied, 'There are two types of revelation, one from Allāh and one from the devil. Allāh's revelation came to Muḥammad ﷺ, while the Shayṭān's revelation comes to his friends.' He then recited,

Qur’an 6:121وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ

«And certainly, the Shayāṭīn do inspire their friends...»^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:86}

We also mentioned 'Ikrimah's commentary on the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:112يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ ٱلْقَوْلِ غُرُورًا

«Inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion.»

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:121لِيُجَٰدِلُوكُمْ

«to dispute with you,» Ibn Jarīr recorded that Ibn 'Abbās commented;

Qur’an 6:121وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ

«Eat not of that on which Allāh's Name has not been mentioned...» until,

Qur’an 6:121لِيُجَٰدِلُوكُمْ

«...to dispute with you,» "The devils inspire their loyal supporters, 'Do you eat from what you kill but not from what Allāh causes to die?'"^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:81}

As-Suddi said; "Some idolators said to the Muslims, 'You claim that you seek Allāh's pleasure. Yet, you do not eat what Allāh causes to die, but you eat what you slaughter?' Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:121وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ

«and if you obey them...», and eat dead animals,

Qur’an 6:121إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ

«then you would indeed be polytheists.»^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:81}

Similar was said by Mujāhid, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk and several others among scholars of the Salaf.^{9Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:80}

Giving Preference to Anyone's Saying Over the Legislation of Allāh is Shirk

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:121وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ

«and if you obey them, then you would indeed be polytheists.»

means, when you turn away from Allāh's command and Legislation to the saying of anyone else, preferring other than what Allāh has said, then this constitutes Shirk. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 9:31ٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَٰنَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ

«They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allāh.»[9:31]

In explanation of this Āyah, At-Tirmidhi recorded that 'Adi bin Ḥātim said, "O Allāh's Messenger! They did not worship them." The Prophet ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthبَلَى إِنَّهُمْ أَحَلُّوا لَهُمُ الْحَرَامَ وَحَرَّمُوا عَلَيْهِمُ الْحَلَالَ فَاتَّبَعُوهُمْ فَذَلِكَ عِبَادَتُهُمْ إِيَّاهُمْ

«Yes they did. They (monks and rabbis) allowed the impermissible for them and they prohibited the lawful for them, and they followed them in that. That was their worship of them.»^{10Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 8:492}

Qur’an 6:122أَوَمَن كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَٰهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُۥ نُورًا يَمْشِى بِهِۦ فِى ٱلنَّاسِ كَمَن مَّثَلُهُۥ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِّنْهَا كَذَٰلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«122. Is he who was dead, and We gave him life, and set for him a light, whereby he can walk among men - like him who is in the darkness from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.»

The Parable of the Disbeliever and the Believer

This is an example that Allāh has given of the believer who was dead, meaning, wandering in confusion and misguidance. Then, Allāh brought life to him, by bringing life to his heart with faith, guiding him to it and guiding him to obeying His Messengers,

Qur’an 6:122وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُۥ نُورًا يَمْشِى بِهِۦ فِى ٱلنَّاسِ

«And set for him a light whereby he can walk amongst men.»

for he became guided to where he should go and how to remain on the correct path. The light mentioned here is the Qur'ān, according to Ibn 'Abbās, as Al-'Awfi and Ibn Abi Ṭalḥah reported from him.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:91.} As-Suddi said that the light mentioned here is Islām.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:91.} Both meanings are correct.

Qur’an 6:122كَمَن مَّثَلُهُۥ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ

«Like him who is in the darkness» of ignorance, desires and various types of deviation,

Qur’an 6:122لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِّنْهَا

«From which he can never come out?» for he is unable to find a way out from what he is in. In Musnad Aḥmad, it is recorded that the Prophet ﷺ said;

Ḥadīthإِنَّ اللَّهَ خَلَقَ خَلْقَهُ فِي ظُلْمَةٍ، ثُمَّ رَشَّ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ نُورِهِ، فَمَنْ أَصَابَهُ ذَلِكَ النُّورُ اهْتَدَى، وَمَنْ أَخْطَأَهُ ضَلَّ

«Allāh created creation in darkness, then He showered His Light upon them. Whoever was struck by that light is guided, whoever it missed is astray.»^{3Aḥmad 2:176}

Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 2:257ٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ يُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّٰغُوتُ يُخْرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

«Allāh is the Guardian of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their friends are Ṭāghūt, they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.» [2:257], and

Qur’an 67:22أَفَمَن يَمْشِى مُكِبًّا عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِۦٓ أَهْدَىٰٓ أَمَّن يَمْشِى سَوِيًّا عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

«Is he who walks prone on his face, more rightly guided, or he who walks upright on the straight way? [67:22], and

Qur’an 11:24مَثَلُ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ كَٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْأَصَمِّ وَٱلْبَصِيرِ وَٱلسَّمِيعِ هَلْ يَسْتَوِيَانِ مَثَلًا أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

«The parable of the two parties is as the blind and the deaf and the seer and the hearer. Are they equal when compared? Will you not then take heed?» [11:24], and,

Qur’an 35:19–23وَمَا يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَعْمَىٰ وَٱلْبَصِيرُ وَلَا ٱلظُّلُمَٰتُ وَلَا ٱلنُّورُ وَلَا ٱلظِّلُّ وَلَا ٱلْحَرُورُ وَمَا يَسْتَوِى ٱلْأَحْيَآءُ وَلَا ٱلْأَمْوَٰتُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُسْمِعُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَمَآ أَنتَ بِمُسْمِعٍ مَّن فِى ٱلْقُبُورِ إِنْ أَنتَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ

«Not alike are the blind and the seeing. Nor are darkness and light. Nor are the shade and the sun's heat. Nor are the living and the dead. Verily, Allāh makes whom He wills to hear, but you cannot make hear those who are in the graves. You are only a warner.» [35:19-23]

There are many other Āyāt on this subject. We explained before why Allāh mentioned the light in the singular sense and the darkness in the plural sense when we explained the Āyah at the beginning of the Sūrah,

Qur’an 6:1وَجَعَلَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ وَٱلنُّورَ

«And originated the darknesses and the light.» [6:1]

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:122كَذَٰلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَٰفِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«Thus it is made fair seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.»

means, We made their ignorance and misguidance appear fair to them, as Allāh decreed out of His wisdom, there is no deity worthy of worship except Him alone without partners.

Qur’an 6:123–124وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرْيَةٍ أَكَٰبِرَ مُجْرِمِيهَا لِيَمْكُرُوا۟ فِيهَا وَمَا يَمْكُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ وَإِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَةٌ قَالُوا۟ لَن نُّؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ رُسُلُ ٱللَّهِ ٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ حَيْثُ يَجْعَلُ رِسَالَتَهُۥ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا۟ صَغَارٌ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَعَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَمْكُرُونَ

«123. And thus We have set up in every town great ones of its wicked people to plot therein. But they plot not except against themselves, and they perceive (it) not.»

«124. And when there comes to them a sign they say: "We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allāh received." Allāh knows best with whom to entrust His Message. Humiliation and disgrace from Allāh and a severe torment will overtake the criminals for that which they used to plot.»

Evil Plots of the Leaders of the Criminals and their Subsequent Demise

Allāh says: Just as We appointed chiefs and leaders for the criminals who call to disbelief, hinder from the path of Allāh, and oppose and defy you in your town, O Muḥammad. Such was also the case with the Messengers before you, who were tested with the same. But the good end was always theirs.' Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 25:31وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّا مِّنَ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the criminals.» [25:31]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 17:16وَإِذَآ أَرَدْنَآ أَن نُّهْلِكَ قَرْيَةً أَمَرْنَا مُتْرَفِيهَا فَفَسَقُوا۟ فِيهَا

«And when We decide to destroy a town, We send a definite order to those among them who lead a life of luxury, and they transgress therein.» [17:16]

meaning, We command them to obey Us, but they defy the command and as a consequence, We destroy them. It was also said that, "We send a definite order", in the last Āyah means, "We decree for them," as Allāh stated here

Qur’an 6:123لِيَمْكُرُوا۟ فِيهَا

«to plot therein.»

Ibn Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās explained the Āyah

Qur’an 6:123أَكَٰبِرَ مُجْرِمِيهَا لِيَمْكُرُوا۟ فِيهَا

«...great ones of its wicked people to plot therein.»

"We give the leadership to these wicked ones and they commit evil in it. When they do this, We destroy them with Our torment."

Mujāhid and Qatādah said that in the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:123أَكَٰبِرَ مُجْرِمِيهَا

«great ones» refers to leaders.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:94.} I say that this is also the meaning of Allāh's statements,

Qur’an 34:34–35وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرْسِلْتُم بِهِۦ كَٰفِرُونَ وَقَالُوا۟ نَحْنُ أَكْثَرُ أَمْوَٰلًا وَأَوْلَٰدًا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ

«And We did not send a warner to a township, but those who were given the worldly wealth and luxuries among them, said: 'We believe not in what you have been sent with." And they say: "We have too much wealth and too many children and we are not going to suffer punishment."» [34:34-35]

And,

Qur’an 43:23وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ فِى قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا وَجَدْنَآ ءَابَآءَنَا عَلَىٰٓ أُمَّةٍ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَٰرِهِم مُّقْتَدُونَ

«And similarly, We sent not a warner before you to any town but the luxurious ones among them said: 'We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps."» [43:23]

'Plot' in the Āyah [6:123] refers to beautified speech and various actions with which the evil ones call to misguidance. Allāh said about the people of Prophet Nuḥ, peace be upon him,

Qur’an 71:22وَمَكَرُوا۟ مَكْرًا كُبَّارًا

«And they have plotted a mighty plot.» [71:22 ]

Allāh said,

Qur’an 34:31–33وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ مَوْقُوفُونَ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يَرْجِعُ بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ٱلْقَوْلَ يَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ لَوْلَآ أَنتُمْ لَكُنَّا مُؤْمِنِينَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوٓا۟ أَنَحْنُ صَدَدْنَٰكُمْ عَنِ ٱلْهُدَىٰ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَآءَكُم بَلْ كُنتُم مُّجْرِمِينَ وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ بَلْ مَكْرُ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ إِذْ تَأْمُرُونَنَآ أَن نَّكْفُرَ بِٱللَّهِ وَنَجْعَلَ لَهُۥٓ أَندَادًا

«But if you could see when the wrongdoers will be made to stand before their Lord, how they will cast the (blaming) word one to another! Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: "Had it not been for you, we should certainly have been believers." And those who were arrogant will say to those who were deemed weak: "Did we keep you back from guidance after it had come to you? Nay, but you were criminals." Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: "Nay, but it was your plotting by night and day, when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allāh and set up rivals for Him!"» [34:31-33].

Ibn Abi Ḥātim reported that Ibn Abi 'Umar said that Sufyān said, "Every 'plot' mentioned in the Qur'ān refers to actions." Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:123وَمَا يَمْكُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ

«But they plot not except against themselves, and they perceive (it) not.»

means, the harm of their wicked plots, as well as misguiding those whom they lead astray, will only strike them. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 29:13وَلَيَحْمِلُنَّ أَثْقَالَهُمْ وَأَثْقَالًا مَّعَ أَثْقَالِهِمْ

«And verily, they shall bear their own loads, and other loads besides their own.» [29:13] and,

Qur’an 16:25وَمِنْ أَوْزَارِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُضِلُّونَهُم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ

«And also of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge. Evil indeed is that which they shall bear!» [16:25].

Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:124وَإِذَا جَآءَتْهُمْ ءَايَةٌ قَالُوا۟ لَن نُّؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ رُسُلُ ٱللَّهِ

«And when there comes to them a sign they say: "We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allāh received."»

When there comes to them a sign they say,

Qur’an 6:124لَن نُّؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ رُسُلُ ٱللَّهِ

«"We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allāh received."»

until the angels bring us the Message from Allāh, just as they brought it to the Messengers. In another Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 25:21وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ أَوْ نَرَىٰ رَبَّنَا

«And those who expect not a meeting with Us said: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?"» [25:21].

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:124ٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ حَيْثُ يَجْعَلُ رِسَالَتَهُۥ

«Allāh knows best with whom to entrust His Message.»

means, He knows best with whom His Message should be given and which of His creatures are suitable for it. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 43:31–32وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنَ ٱلْقَرْيَتَيْنِ عَظِيمٍ أَهُمْ يَقْسِمُونَ رَحْمَتَ رَبِّكَ

«And they say: "Why is not this Qur'ān sent down to some great man of the two towns?" Is it they who would portion out the mercy of your Lord?» [43:31-32].

They said, why was not this Qur'ān revealed to a mighty, respectable leader, honored by us,

Qur’an 43:31مِّنَ ٱلْقَرْيَتَيْنِ

«...from one of the two towns?»

Of Makkah and Aṭ-Ṭā'if. This is because they, may Allāh curse them, belittled the Messenger ﷺ out of envy, transgression, rebellion and defiance. Allāh described them,

Qur’an 25:41وَإِذَا رَأَوْكَ إِن يَتَّخِذُونَكَ إِلَّا هُزُوًا أَهَٰذَا ٱلَّذِى بَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ رَسُولًا

«And when they see you, they only mock: "Is this the one whom Allāh has sent as a Messenger?"» [25:41] and

Qur’an 21:36وَإِذَا رَءَاكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِن يَتَّخِذُونَكَ إِلَّا هُزُوًا أَهَٰذَا ٱلَّذِى يَذْكُرُ ءَالِهَتَكُمْ وَهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ هُمْ كَٰفِرُونَ

«And when those who disbelieved see you, they only mock at you: "Is this the one who talks about your gods?" While they disbelieve at the mention of the Most Gracious (Allāh).» [21:36], and,

Qur’an 6:10وَلَقَدِ ٱسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِٱلَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا۟ مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ

«Indeed Messengers were mocked before, but the scoffers were surrounded by that, whereat they used to mock.» [21:41]

The Disbelievers Admit to the Prophet's Nobility of Lineage

The disbelievers did all of this although they admitted to the Prophet's virtue, honorable lineage, respectable ancestry and purity of household and upbringing, may Allāh, His angels, and the believers send blessings upon him. The disbelievers used to call the Prophet ﷺ, before he received revelation, 'Al-Amīn' - the Truthful. The leader of the Quraysh disbelievers, Abu Sufyān, had to admit to this fact when Heraclius, emperor of Rome, asked him, "How honorable is his (the Prophet's) ancestral lineage among you?" Abu Sufyān answered, "His ancestry is highly regarded among us." Heraclius asked, "Do you find that he lied, before he started his mission?" Abu Sufyān replied, "No." The emperor of Rome relied on the honor and purity of the Prophet ﷺ to recognize the truth of his prophethood and what he came with.

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Wāthilah bin Al-Asqa' said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthإِنَّ اللهَ اصْطَفَى مِنْ وَلَدِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، وَاصْطَفَى مِنْ بَنِي إِسْمَاعِيلَ بَنِي كِنَانَةَ وَاصْطَفَى مِنْ بَنِي كِنَانَةَ قُرَيْشًا وَاصْطَفَى مِنْ قُرَيْشٍ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ وَاصْطَفَانِي مِنْ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ

«Verily, Allāh has chosen Ismā‘īl from the offspring of Ibrāhīm, Bani Kinānah from the offspring of Ismā‘īl, Quraysh from Bani Kinānah, Bani Hāshim from Quraysh and, He has chosen me from Bani Hāshim.»^{2Aḥmad 4:107.}

Muslim recorded this Ḥadīth.^{3Muslim 4:1682.} Al-Bukhāri recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthبُعِثْتُ مِنْ خَيْرِ قُرُونِ بَنِي آدَمَ قَرْنًا فَقَرْنًا، حَتَّى بُعِثْتُ مِنَ الْقَرْنِ الَّذِي كُنْتُ فِيهِ

«I was chosen from a succession of the best generations of the Children of Ādam, until the generation I was sent in.»^{4Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:653.}

Allāh's said,

Qur’an 6:124سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا۟ صَغَارٌ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَعَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ

«Humiliation and disgrace from Allāh and a severe torment will overtake the criminals...»

This is a stern threat and sure promise from Allāh for those who arrogantly refrain from obeying His Messengers and adhering to what they came with. On the Day of Resurrection, they will suffer humiliation and eternal disgrace before Allāh, because they were arrogant in the worldly life. This is why it is befitting that they earn disgrace on the Day of Resurrection. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 40:60إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِى سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ

«Verily, those who scorn My worship, they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!» [40:60]

disgrace and dishonor. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:124وَعَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَمْكُرُونَ

«and a severe torment for that which they used to plot.»

Since plotting usually takes place in secret and involves treachery and deceit, the disbelievers were recompensed with severe torment from Allāh on the Day of Resurrection, as a just reckoning,

Qur’an 18:49وَلَا يَظْلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدًا

Qur’an 6:125–131فَمَن يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يَهْدِيَهُۥ يَشْرَحْ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ وَمَن يُرِدْ أَن يُضِلَّهُۥ يَجْعَلْ صَدْرَهُۥ ضَيِّقًا حَرَجًا كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ كَذَٰلِكَ يَجْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرِّجْسَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ وَهَٰذَا صِرَٰطُ رَبِّكَ مُسْتَقِيمًا قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ لَهُمْ دَارُ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ قَدِ ٱسْتَكْثَرْتُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَقَالَ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ رَبَّنَا ٱسْتَمْتَعَ بَعْضُنَا بِبَعْضٍ وَبَلَغْنَآ أَجَلَنَا ٱلَّذِىٓ أَجَّلْتَ لَنَا قَالَ ٱلنَّارُ مَثْوَىٰكُمْ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُوَلِّى بَعْضَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بَعْضًۢا بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتِى وَيُنذِرُونَكُمْ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا قَالُوا۟ شَهِدْنَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِنَا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَشَهِدُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰفِرِينَ ذَٰلِكَ أَن لَّمْ يَكُن رَّبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا غَٰفِلُونَ

«And your Lord treats no one with injustice» [18:49] Allāh said in another Āyah,

« يَوْمَ تُبْلَى ٱلسَّرَآئِرُ

Qur’an 86:9يَوْمَ تُبْلَى ٱلسَّرَآئِرُ

«The Day when all the secrets will be examined.» [86:9] Meaning, the secrets, hidden thoughts and intentions will be exposed. In the Two Ṣaḥīḥs, it is recorded that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيُنْصَبُ لِكُلِّ غَادِرٍ لِوَاءٌ عِنْدَ اسْتِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، فَيُقَالُ: هَذِهِ غَدْرَةُ فُلَانِ بْنِ فُلَانِ بْنِ فُلَانٍ

«A banner will be raised for every deceitful person from his anus on the Day of Resurrection, and it will say; 'This is the treacherous plot of so-and-so, son of so-and-so, son of so-and-so.,»^{5Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:327 and Muslim 4:1361}

The wisdom in this is that since a plot occurs in secret, and people are usually unaware of it, then on the Day of Resurrection the plot itself will become public news testifying to the actions of those who committed it.

Qur’an 6:125فَمَن يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يَهْدِيَهُۥ يَشْرَحْ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ وَمَن يُرِدْ أَن يُضِلَّهُۥ يَجْعَلْ صَدْرَهُۥ ضَيِّقًا حَرَجًا كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ كَذَٰلِكَ يَجْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرِّجْسَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«125. And whomsoever Allāh wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islām; and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allāh puts the wrath on those who believe not.»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:125فَمَن يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يَهْدِيَهُۥ يَشْرَحْ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ

«And whomsoever Allāh wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islām;»

He makes Islām easy for him and strengthens his resolve to embrace it, and these are good signs. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 39:22أَفَمَن شَرَحَ ٱللَّهُ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ

«Is he whose breast Allāh has opened to Islām, so that he is in light from His Lord (as he who is a non-Muslim)?» [39:22] and,

Qur’an 49:7وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلْإِيمَٰنَ وَزَيَّنَهُۥ فِى قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلْكُفْرَ وَٱلْفُسُوقَ وَٱلْعِصْيَانَ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلرَّٰشِدُونَ

«But Allāh has endeared the faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience hated by you. Such are they who are the rightly guided.» [49:7]

Ibn 'Abbās commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:125فَمَن يُرِدِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يَهْدِيَهُۥ يَشْرَحْ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ

«And whomsoever Allāh wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islām;»,

"Allāh says that He will open his heart to Tawḥīd and faith in Him."^{1Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:356} This is the same as was reported from Abu Mālik and several others, and it is sound.

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:125وَمَن يُرِدْ أَن يُضِلَّهُۥ يَجْعَلْ صَدْرَهُۥ ضَيِّقًا حَرَجًا

«and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted,» refers to inability to accept guidance, thus being deprived of beneficial faith.

Qur’an 6:125كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«...as if he is climbing up to the sky.» because of the heaviness of faith on him. Sa'īd bin Jubayr commented that in this case, "(Islām) finds every path in his heart impassable.” ^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:105}Al-Ḥakam bin Abān said that 'Ikrimah narrated from Ibn 'Abbās that he commented on:

Qur’an 6:125كَأَنَّمَا يَصَّعَّدُ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

«...as if he is climbing up to the sky»,

"Just as the Son of Ādam cannot climb up to the sky, Tawḥīd and faith will not be able to enter his heart, until Allāh decides to allow it into his heart."^{3Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:356}

Imām Abu Ja'far bin Jarīr commented: "This is a parable that Allāh has given for the heart of the disbeliever, which is completely impassable and closed to faith. Allāh says, the example of the disbeliever's inability to accept faith in his heart and that it is too small to accommodate it, is the example of his inability to climb up to the sky, which is beyond his capability and power."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:109} He also commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:125كَذَٰلِكَ يَجْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرِّجْسَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

«Thus Allāh puts the Rijs (wrath) on those who believe not.»

"Allāh says that just as He makes the heart of whomever He decides to misguide, closed and constricted, He also appoints Shayṭān for him and for his likes, those who refused to believe in Allāh and His Messenger. Consequently, Shayṭān lures and hinders them from the path of Allāh."^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:110} 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said that, Rijs, refers to Shayṭān,^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:111} while Mujāhid said that it refers to all that does not contain goodness.^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:111} 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam said that, Rijs, means, 'torment'.

Qur’an 6:126–127وَهَٰذَا صِرَٰطُ رَبِّكَ مُسْتَقِيمًا قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ لَهُمْ دَارُ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«126. And this is the path of your Lord leading straight. We have detailed Our Āyāt for a people who take heed.»

«127. For them will be the abode of peace with their Lord. And He will be their Walī because of what they used to do.»

After Allāh mentioned the way of those who were themselves led to stray from His path and who hindered others from it, He emphasized the honor of the guidance and religion of truth that He sent His Messenger with. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:126وَهَٰذَا صِرَٰطُ رَبِّكَ مُسْتَقِيمًا

«And this is the path of your Lord leading straight.»

that is, Islām, that We have legislated for you, O Muḥammad, by revealing this Qur'ān to you, is Allāh's straight path.

Qur’anقَدْ فَصَّلْنَا ٱلْـَٔايَٰتِ

«We have detailed Our Āyāt...»

We have explained the Āyāt and made them clear and plain,

Qur’an 6:126لِقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

«for a people who take heed» those who have sound comprehension and understand what Allāh and His Messenger convey to them,

Qur’an 6:127لَهُمْ دَارُ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ

«For them will be the abode of peace» Paradise,

Qur’an 6:127عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ

«with their Lord.» on the Day of Resurrection. Allāh described Paradise as 'the abode of peace', because its residents are safe due to their access to the straight path, which conforms to the way of the Prophets. And just as their way was not wicked, they earned the abode of peace [which is free from all wickedness].

Qur’an 6:127وَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُم

«And He will be their Walī» Protector, Supporter and Helper,

Qur’anبِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

«because of what they used to do,» As reward for their good deeds, Allāh has favored them and been generous with them, and awarded them Paradise.

Qur’an 6:128وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ قَدِ ٱسْتَكْثَرْتُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَقَالَ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ رَبَّنَا ٱسْتَمْتَعَ بَعْضُنَا بِبَعْضٍ وَبَلَغْنَآ أَجَلَنَا ٱلَّذِىٓ أَجَّلْتَ لَنَا قَالَ ٱلنَّارُ مَثْوَىٰكُمْ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ إِلَّا مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

«128. And on the Day when He will gather them together (and say): "O you assembly of Jinn! Many did you mislead of men," and their friends among the people will say: "Our Lord! We benefited one from the other, but now we have reached our appointed term which You did appoint for us." He will say: "The Fire be your dwelling place, you will dwell therein forever, except as Allāh may will. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing."»

Allāh says, 'Mention, O Muḥammad, in what you convey and warn,' that,

Qur’an 6:128وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا

«on the Day when He will gather them (all) together.»

gather the Jinns and their loyal supporters from mankind who used to worship them in this life, seek refuge with them, obey them and inspire each other with adorned, deceitful speech. Allāh will proclaim then,

Qur’an 6:128يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ قَدِ ٱسْتَكْثَرْتُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ

«O you assembly of Jinn! Many did you mislead of men,» So the Āyah;

Qur’an 6:128قَدِ ٱسْتَكْثَرْتُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ

«Many did you mislead of men» refers to their misguiding and leading them astray. Allāh also said;

Qur’an 36:60–62أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمْ يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ وَأَنِ ٱعْبُدُونِى هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ وَلَقَدْ أَضَلَّ مِنكُمْ جِبِلًّا كَثِيرًا أَفَلَمْ تَكُونُوا۟ تَعْقِلُونَ

«Did I not command you, O Children of Ādam, that you should not worship Shayṭān. Verily, he is a plain enemy to you. And that you should worship Me. That is the straight path. And indeed he (Shayṭān) did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand?» [36:60-62], and

Qur’an 6:128وَقَالَ أَوْلِيَآؤُهُم مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ رَبَّنَا ٱسْتَمْتَعَ بَعْضُنَا بِبَعْضٍ

«and their friends among the people will say: "Our Lord! We benefited one from the other..."»

The friends of the Jinns among humanity will give this answer to Allāh, after Allāh chastises them for being misguided by the Jinns. Al-Ḥasan commented, "They benefited from each other when the Jinns merely commanded and mankind obeyed.” ^{1Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:357}

Ibn Jurayj said, "During the time of Jāhiliyyah, a man would reach a land and proclaim, 'I seek refuge with the master (Jinn) of this valley,' and this is how they benefited from each other. They used this as an excuse for them on the Day of Resurrection."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:116} Therefore, the Jinns benefit from humans since humans revere the Jinns by invoking them for help. The Jinns would then proclaim, "We became the masters of both mankind and the Jinns."

Qur’an 6:128وَبَلَغْنَآ أَجَلَنَا ٱلَّذِىٓ أَجَّلْتَ لَنَا

«but now we have reached our appointed term which You did appoint for us.»

meaning, death, according to As-Suddi.

Qur’an 6:128قَالَ ٱلنَّارُ مَثْوَىٰكُمْ

«He (Allāh) will say: "The Fire be your dwelling place..."»

where you will reside and live, you and your friends,

Qur’anخَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ

«you will dwell therein forever.»

and will never depart except what Allāh may will.

Qur’an 6:129وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُوَلِّى بَعْضَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بَعْضًۢا بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ

«129. And thus We do make the wrongdoers supporters of one another, because of that which they used to earn.»

The Wrongdoers Are the Supporters of Each other

Ma'mar said that Qatādah commented on this Āyah, "Allāh makes the wrongdoers supporters for each other in the Fire by following one another into it.” ^{1'Abdur-Razzāq 2:218}‘Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam commented on Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:129وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُوَلِّى بَعْضَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بَعْضًۢا

«And thus We do make the wrongdoers supporters of one another.»

"It refers to the wrongdoers of the Jinns and mankind."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:119} He then recited,

Qur’an 43:36وَمَن يَعْشُ عَن ذِكْرِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُۥ شَيْطَٰنًا فَهُوَ لَهُۥ قَرِينٌ

«And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allāh), We appoint for him Shayṭān to be a companion to him.»[43:36]

He said next - concerning the meaning of the Āyah; "We appoint the wrongdoer of the Jinns over the wrongdoer of mankind." A poet once said, "There is no hand, but Allāh's Hand is above it, and no wrongdoer but will be tested by another wrongdoer."

The meaning of this honorable Āyah thus becomes: 'Just as We made this losing group of mankind supporters of the Jinns that misguided them, We also appoint the wrongdoers over one another, destroy them by the hands of one another, and take revenge from them with one another. This is the just recompense for their injustice and transgression.'

Qur’an 6:130يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتِى وَيُنذِرُونَكُمْ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا قَالُوا۟ شَهِدْنَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِنَا وَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَشَهِدُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰفِرِينَ

«130. O you assembly of Jinn and humans! "Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves." It was the life of this world that deceived them. And they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.»

Chastising the Jinns and Humans after their Admission that Allāh Sent Messengers to Them

Allāh will chastise the disbelieving Jinns and humans on the Day of Resurrection, when He asks them, while having better knowledge, if the Messengers delivered His Messages to them,

Qur’an 6:130يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ

«"O you assembly of Jinn and humans! Did not there come to you Messengers from among you?"»

We should note here that the Messengers are from among mankind only, not vice versa, as Mujāhid, Ibn Jurayj and others from the Imāms of Salaf and later generations have stated.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:122} The proof for this is that Allāh said,

Qur’an 4:163إِنَّآ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ كَمَآ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ نُوحٍ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ

«Verily, We have sent the revelation to you as We sent the revelation to Nūḥ and the Prophets after him.» [4:163],

until,

Qur’an 4:165رُّسُلًا مُّبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ حُجَّةٌۢ بَعْدَ ٱلرُّسُلِ

«Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allāh after the (coming of) Messengers.» [4:165]

Allāh said, concerning the Prophet Ibrāhīm,

Qur’an 29:27وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِ ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَٰبَ

«And We ordained among his offspring prophethood and the Book» [29:27],

thus sending the prophethood and the Book exclusively through the offspring of the Prophet Ibrāhīm. No one has claimed that there were Prophets from among the Jinns before the time of Ibrāhīm, but not after that. Allāh said,

Qur’an 25:20وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّآ إِنَّهُمْ لَيَأْكُلُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَيَمْشُونَ فِى ٱلْأَسْوَاقِ

«And We never sent before you any of the Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets.» [25:20], and,

Qur’an 12:109وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِم مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ

«And We sent not before you any but men unto whom We revealed, from among the people of townships.» [12:109]

Therefore, concerning prophethood, the Jinns follow mankind in this regard and this is why Allāh said about them,

Qur’an 46:29–32وَإِذْ صَرَفْنَآ إِلَيْكَ نَفَرًا مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ يَسْتَمِعُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَلَمَّا حَضَرُوهُ قَالُوٓا۟ أَنصِتُوا۟ فَلَمَّا قُضِىَ وَلَّوْا۟ إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِم مُّنذِرِينَ قَالُوا۟ يَٰقَوْمَنَآ إِنَّا سَمِعْنَا كِتَٰبًا أُنزِلَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مُوسَىٰ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ يَهْدِىٓ إِلَى ٱلْحَقِّ وَإِلَىٰ طَرِيقٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ يَٰقَوْمَنَآ أَجِيبُوا۟ دَاعِىَ ٱللَّهِ وَءَامِنُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَغْفِرْ لَكُم مِّن ذُنُوبِكُمْ وَيُجِرْكُم مِّنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ وَمَن لَّا يُجِبْ دَاعِىَ ٱللَّهِ فَلَيْسَ بِمُعْجِزٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَيْسَ لَهُۥ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءُ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

«And (remember) when We sent towards you a group of the Jinn, listening to the Qur'ān. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: "Listen in silence!" And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: "O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book sent down after Mūsā, confirming what came before it, it guides to the truth and to the straight way. O our people! Respond to Allāh's caller, and believe in him. He (Allāh) will forgive you your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e. Hell-fire). And whosoever does not respond to Allāh's caller, he cannot escape on earth, and there will be no helpers for him besides Allāh. Those are in manifest error.» [46:29-32]

A Ḥadīth collected by At-Tirmidhi stated that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ recited Sūrat Ar-Raḥmān, to these Jinns, in which Allāh said,

Qur’an 55:31–32سَنَفْرُغُ لَكُمْ أَيُّهَ ٱلثَّقَلَانِ فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

«We shall attend to you, O you two classes (Jinn and men)! Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both (Jinn

Qur’an 6:132–137وَلِكُلٍّ دَرَجَٰتٌ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوا۟ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْغَنِىُّ ذُو ٱلرَّحْمَةِ إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ وَيَسْتَخْلِفْ مِنۢ بَعْدِكُم مَّا يَشَآءُ كَمَآ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن ذُرِّيَّةِ قَوْمٍ ءَاخَرِينَ إِنَّ مَا تُوعَدُونَ لَـَٔاتٍ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ قُلْ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنِّى عَامِلٌ فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ مَن تَكُونُ لَهُۥ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلدَّارِ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ مِمَّا ذَرَأَ مِنَ ٱلْحَرْثِ وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ نَصِيبًا فَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا لِلَّهِ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَهَٰذَا لِشُرَكَآئِنَا فَمَا كَانَ لِشُرَكَآئِهِمْ فَلَا يَصِلُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ فَهُوَ يَصِلُ إِلَىٰ شُرَكَآئِهِمْ سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ وَكَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَ لِكَثِيرٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قَتْلَ أَوْلَٰدِهِمْ شُرَكَآؤُهُمْ لِيُرْدُوهُمْ وَلِيَلْبِسُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ دِينَهُمْ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا فَعَلُوهُ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ

and men) deny?» [55:31-32] ^{2Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 9:177}Allāh said in this honorable Āyah,

Qur’an 6:130يَٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ ءَايَٰتِى وَيُنذِرُونَكُمْ لِقَآءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا قَالُوا۟ شَهِدْنَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِنَا

«O you assembly of Jinn and humans! "Did not there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting unto you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "We bear witness against ourselves."» meaning, we affirm that the Messengers have conveyed Your Messages to us and warned us about the meeting with You, and that this Day will certainly occur. Allāh said next, «It was the life of this world that deceived them.»

Qur’anوَغَرَّتْهُمُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا

«It was the life of this world that deceived them.» and they wasted their lives and brought destruction to themselves by rejecting the Messengers and denying their miracles. This is because they were deceived by the beauty, adornment and lusts of this life. «And they will bear witness against themselves»

Qur’anوَشَهِدُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ

«And they will bear witness against themselves» on the Day of Resurrection,

Qur’anأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰفِرِينَ

«that they were disbelievers...» in this worldly life, rejecting what the Messengers, may Allāh's peace and blessings be on them, brought them.

Qur’an 6:131–132ذَٰلِكَ أَن لَّمْ يَكُن رَّبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا غَٰفِلُونَ وَلِكُلٍّ دَرَجَٰتٌ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوا۟ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ

«131. This is because your Lord would not destroy the (populations of) towns for their wrongdoing while their people were unaware.»

«132. For all there will be degrees according to what they did. And your Lord is not unaware of what they do.»

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:131ذَٰلِكَ أَن لَّمْ يَكُن رَّبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا غَٰفِلُونَ

«This is because your Lord would not destroy the (populations of) towns for their wrongdoing while their people were unaware.»

meaning: 'We sent the Messengers and revealed the Books to the Jinns and mankind, so that no one has an excuse that he is being punished for his wrongs although he did not receive Allāh's Message. Therefore, We did not punish any of the nations, except after sending Messengers to them, so that they have no excuse.' Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 35:24وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ

«And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them.» [35:24], and

Qur’an 16:36وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ

«And verily, We have sent among every Ummah a Messenger (proclaiming): ‘Worship Allāh, and stay away from Aṭ-Ṭāghūt (all false deities)."» [16:36], and

Qur’an 17:15وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا

«And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.» [17:15], and,

Qur’an 67:8–9كُلَّمَآ أُلْقِىَ فِيهَا فَوْجٌ سَأَلَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَآ أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ نَذِيرٌ قَالُوا۟ بَلَىٰ قَدْ جَآءَنَا نَذِيرٌ فَكَذَّبْنَا

«Every time a group is cast therein, its keeper will ask: "Did no warner come to you?" They will say: "Yes, indeed a warner did come to us, but we belied him."» [67:8-9] There are many other Āyāt on this subject. Aṭ-Ṭabari said, "Allāh's statement,

Qur’anوَلِكُلٍّ دَرَجَٰتٌ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوا۟

«For all there will be degrees according to what they did.» means, every person who obeys Allāh or behaves disobediently, has grades and ranks according to their works, which Allāh gives them as recompense, good for good and evil for evil." I say, it is possible that Allāh's statement,

Qur’anوَلِكُلٍّ دَرَجَٰتٌ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوا۟

«For all there will be degrees according to what they did.» refers to the disbelievers of the Jinns and mankind who will earn a place in the Fire according to their evil deeds. Allāh said,

Qur’an 7:38قَالَ لِكُلٍّ ضِعْفٌ

«He will say: "For each one there is double (torment)."»[7:38], and,

Qur’an 16:88ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ زِدْنَٰهُمْ عَذَابًا فَوْقَ ٱلْعَذَابِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يُفْسِدُونَ

«Those who disbelieved and hinder (others) from the path of Allāh, for them We will add torment to the torment because they used to spread corruption.» [16:88] Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:132وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَٰفِلٍ عَمَّا يَعْمَلُونَ

«And your Lord is not unaware of what they do.» Ibn Jarīr commented, "All these deeds that they did, O Muḥammad, they did while your Lord is aware of them, and He collects and records these deeds with Him, so that He recompenses them when they meet Him and return to Him."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:125}

Qur’an 6:133–135وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْغَنِىُّ ذُو ٱلرَّحْمَةِ إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ وَيَسْتَخْلِفْ مِنۢ بَعْدِكُم مَّا يَشَآءُ كَمَآ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن ذُرِّيَّةِ قَوْمٍ ءَاخَرِينَ إِنَّ مَا تُوعَدُونَ لَـَٔاتٍ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ قُلْ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنِّى عَامِلٌ فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ مَن تَكُونُ لَهُۥ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلدَّارِ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

«133. And your Lord is Al-Ghani, full of mercy; if He wills, He can destroy you; and in your place make whom He wills as your successors, as He raised you from the seed of other people.» «134. Surely, that which you are promised, will verily come to pass, and you cannot escape.» «135. Say: "O my people! Work according to your way, surely, I too am working, and you will come to know for which of us will be the (happy) end in the Hereafter. Certainly the wrongdoers will not be successful."»

If They Disobey, They Will Perish Allāh said,

Qur’anوَرَبُّكَ

«And your Lord...», O Muḥammad,

Qur’an 6:133ٱلْغَنِىُّ

«is Al-Ghani» Rich, free from needing His creatures in any way or form, while they stand in need of Him in all situations,

Qur’an 6:133ذُو ٱلرَّحْمَةِ

«full of mercy;» towards creation. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’anإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«Truly, Allāh is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.» [2:143]

Qur’an 6:133إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ

«if He wills, He can destroy you.» if you defy His commandments,

Qur’an 6:133وَيَسْتَخْلِفْ مِنۢ بَعْدِكُم مَّا يَشَآءُ

«And in your place make whom He wills as your successors,» who behave obediently,

Qur’an 6:133كَمَآ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن ذُرِّيَّةِ قَوْمٍ ءَاخَرِينَ

«As He raised you from the seed of other people.» and surely, He is able to do this, and it is easy for Him. And just as Allāh has destroyed the earlier nations and brought their successors, He is able to do away with these generations and bring other people in their place. Allāh has also said;

Qur’an 4:133إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ أَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَيَأْتِ بِـَٔاخَرِينَ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ قَدِيرًا

«If He wills, He can take you away, O people, and bring others. And Allāh is Ever Capable over that.» [4:133],

Qur’an 35:15–17يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ أَنتُمُ ٱلْفُقَرَآءُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلْغَنِىُّ ٱلْحَمِيدُ إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ وَيَأْتِ بِخَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ وَمَا ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ بِعَزِيزٍ

«O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allāh. But Allāh is Rich (free of all needs), Worthy of all praise. If He willed, He could destroy you and bring about a new creation. And that is not hard for Allāh.» [35:15-17], and,

Qur’an 47:38وَٱللَّهُ ٱلْغَنِىُّ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلْفُقَرَآءُ وَإِن تَتَوَلَّوْا۟ يَسْتَبْدِلْ قَوْمًا غَيْرَكُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُونُوٓا۟ أَمْثَٰلَكُم

«But Allāh is Rich (free of all needs), and you are poor. And if you turn away, He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes.» [47:38]. Muḥammad bin Isḥāq said that Ya'qūb bin 'Utbah said that he heard Abān bin 'Uthmān saying about this Āyah,

Qur’an 6:133كَمَآ أَنشَأَكُم مِّن ذُرِّيَّةِ قَوْمٍ ءَاخَرِينَ

«As He raised you from the seed of other people.» "The seed' means the offspring and the children."^{1Ad-Durr Al-Manthūr 3:361} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:134إِنَّ مَا تُوعَدُونَ لَـَٔاتٍ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ

«Surely, that which you are promised, will verily, come to pass and you cannot escape.» means, tell them, O Muḥammad, that what they have been promised of Resurrection will surely occur,

Qur’an 6:134وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ

«and you cannot escape.» from Allāh. Rather, He is able to resurrect you even after you become dust and bones. Certainly, Allāh is able to do all things and nothing ever escapes His power. Allāh said;

Qur’an 6:135قُلْ يَٰقَوْمِ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنِّى عَامِلٌ فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

«Say: "O my people! Work according to your way, surely, I too am working and you will come to know."» This contains a stern warning and a sure promise, saying; remain on your way, if you think that you are rightly guided, for I will remain on mine. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 11:121–122وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ ٱعْمَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ إِنَّا عَٰمِلُونَ وَٱنتَظِرُوٓا۟ إِنَّا مُنتَظِرُونَ

«And say to those who do not believe: "Act according to Makānatikum, We are acting (in our way). And you wait! We (too) are waiting."» [11:121-122]. 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said that,

Qur’an 6:135عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِكُمْ

«according to Makānatikum...» means, your way.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:129}

Qur’an 6:135فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ مَن تَكُونُ لَهُۥ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلدَّارِ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ

«And you will come to know for which of us will be the (happy) end in the Hereafter. Certainly the wrongdoers will not be successful» [6:135], You will come to know if the happy end will be mine (Muḥammad's) or yours (the disbelievers). Allāh has indeed kept His promise and allowed Muḥammad ﷺ to prevail in the land and rise above those who defied him. He conquered Makkah for him and made him triumphant over his people who rejected and showed enmity towards him. The Prophet's rule soon spread over the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen and Bahrain, and all this occurred during his lifetime. After his death, the various lands and provinces were conquered during the time of his successors, may Allāh be pleased with them all. Allāh also said,

Qur’an 58:21كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَغْلِبَنَّ أَنَا۠ وَرُسُلِىٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ

«Allāh has decreed: "Verily, it is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious." Verily, Allāh is All-Powerful, Almighty.» [58:21]

Qur’an 40:51–52إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْأَشْهَٰدُ يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَهُمُ ٱللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوٓءُ ٱلدَّارِ

«Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe in this world's life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth. The Day when their excuses will be of no profit to the wrongdoers. Theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode.» [40:51-52] and,

Qur’an 21:105وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلذِّكْرِ أَنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّٰلِحُونَ

«And indeed We have written in the Zabūr after the Dhikr^{3There are different explanations of this Āyah. See the Tafsīr of Sūrat Al-Anbiyā' no. 105 for its commentary.} that My righteous servants shall inherit the land.» [21:105]

Qur’an 6:136وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ مِمَّا ذَرَأَ مِنَ ٱلْحَرْثِ وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ نَصِيبًا فَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا لِلَّهِ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَهَٰذَا لِشُرَكَآئِنَا فَمَا كَانَ لِشُرَكَآئِهِمْ فَلَا يَصِلُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ فَهُوَ يَصِلُ إِلَىٰ شُرَكَآئِهِمْ سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ

«136. And they assign to Allāh a share of the tilth and cattle which He has created, and they say: "This is for Allāh," according to their claim, "and this is for our partners." But the share of their "partners" reaches not Allāh, while the share of Allāh reaches their "partners"! Evil is the way they judge!»

Some Acts of Shirk

Allāh chastises and criticizes the idolators who invented innovations, Kufr and Shirk, and called on partners and rivals with Allāh among His creation, although He created every thing, all praise is due to Him. This is why Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:136وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ مِمَّا ذَرَأَ

«And they assign to Allāh from that which He has created, »

Qur’an 6:136مِنَ ٱلْحَرْثِ

«of the tilth» meaning, fruits and produce,

Qur’an 6:136وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ نَصِيبًا

«and of the cattle a share» meaning a part and a section.

Qur’an 6:136فَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا لِلَّهِ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَهَٰذَا لِشُرَكَآئِنَا

«and they say: "This is for Allāh," according to their claim, "and this is for our partners."»

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:136فَمَا كَانَ لِشُرَكَآئِهِمْ فَلَا يَصِلُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ لِلَّهِ فَهُوَ يَصِلُ إِلَىٰ شُرَكَآئِهِمْ

«But the share of their "partners" reaches not Allāh, while the share of Allāh reaches their "partners"!»

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah and Al-'Awfi narrated that Ibn 'Abbās said; "When they, the enemies of Allāh, would cultivate the land or collect produce, they would assign a part of it to Allāh and another part to the idol. They would keep the share for the idol, whether land, produce or anything else, and preserve its division to such an extent that they would collect anything that accidentally falls from the share they assigned to Allāh and add it to the share of the idol. If the water that they assigned for the idol irrigated something (a section of land, for instance) that they assigned for Allāh, they would add whatever this water irrigated to the idol's share! If the land or produce that they assigned for Allāh was accidentally mixed with the share that they assigned for the idol, they would say that the idol is poor. Therefore, they would add it to the share they assigned for the idol and would not return it to the share they assigned for Allāh. If the water that they assigned for Allāh irrigated what they assigned for the idol they would leave it (the produce) for the idol. They also made some of their other property sacred, like the Baḥīrah, Sā'ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥam, assigning them to the idols, claiming that they do so as way of seeking a means of approach to Allāh. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:136وَجَعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ مِمَّا ذَرَأَ مِنَ ٱلْحَرْثِ وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ نَصِيبًا

«And they assign to Allāh a share of the tilth and cattle which He has created...».”^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:131-132}

Similar was said by Mujāhid, Qatādah, As-Suddi and others.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:133} 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam commented; “Every type of slaughter that they would assign for Allāh, would never be eaten unless they mentioned the names of their idols when slaughtering it. Yet for what they sacrificed in the names of the idols, they would not mention Allāh's Name when slaughtering it.” He then recited the Āyah (6:136) until he reached,

Qur’an 6:136سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ

«Evil is the way they judge!»^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:134}

This Āyah means, evil is that which they determined, for they committed error in the division. Certainly, Allāh is the Lord, Owner and Creator of all things and His is the dominion. All things are His property and under His supreme control, will and decree. There is no deity worthy of worship, or Lord, except Him.

And even when the polytheists made this evil division, they did not preserve it, but cheated in it. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 16:57وَيَجْعَلُونَ لِلَّهِ ٱلْبَنَٰتِ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَلَهُم مَّا يَشْتَهُونَ

«And they assign daughters unto Allāh – glory be to Him - and unto themselves what they desire.» [16:57], and

Qur’an 43:15وَجَعَلُوا۟ لَهُۥ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ جُزْءًا إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ لَكَفُورٌ مُّبِينٌ

«Yet, they assign to some of His servants a share with Him. Verily, man is indeed a manifest ingrate!» [43:15], and,

Qur’an 53:21–22أَلَكُمُ ٱلذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ ٱلْأُنثَىٰ تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَىٰٓ

«Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair!» [53:21-22].

Qur’an 6:137وَكَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَ لِكَثِيرٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قَتْلَ أَوْلَٰدِهِمْ شُرَكَآؤُهُمْ لِيُرْدُوهُمْ وَلِيَلْبِسُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ دِينَهُمْ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا فَعَلُوهُ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ

«137. And so to many of the idolators, their “partners” have made fair seeming the killing of their children, in order to lead them to their own destruction and cause confusion in their religion. And if Allāh had willed, they would not have done so. So leave them alone with their fabrications.»

Shayṭān Lured the Idolators to Kill Their Children

Allāh says, just as the Shayāṭīn lured the idolators to assign a share for Allāh from what He created of agriculture and cattle - and a share for the idols, they also made it seem fair for them to kill their children, for fear of poverty, and burying their daughters alive, for fear of dishonor.

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported from Ibn 'Abbās that he commented;

Qur’an 6:137وَكَذَٰلِكَ زَيَّنَ لِكَثِيرٍ مِّنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ قَتْلَ أَوْلَٰدِهِمْ شُرَكَآؤُهُمْ

«And so to many of the idolators, their “partners” have made fair seeming the killing of their children...»

“They make killing their children attractive to them.”^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:136}

Mujāhid said, “Idolators' partners among the devils ordered them to bury their children for fear of poverty.”^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:136.} As-Suddi said, “The devils commanded them to kill their daughters so that they,

Qur’an 6:137لِيُرْدُوهُمْ

«lead them to their own destruction», and to,

Qur’an 6:138–142وَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أَنْعَٰمٌ وَحَرْثٌ حِجْرٌ لَّا يَطْعَمُهَآ إِلَّا مَن نَّشَآءُ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَأَنْعَٰمٌ حُرِّمَتْ ظُهُورُهَا وَأَنْعَٰمٌ لَّا يَذْكُرُونَ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا ٱفْتِرَآءً عَلَيْهِ سَيَجْزِيهِم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ وَقَالُوا۟ مَا فِى بُطُونِ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ خَالِصَةٌ لِّذُكُورِنَا وَمُحَرَّمٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَإِن يَكُن مَّيْتَةً فَهُمْ فِيهِ شُرَكَآءُ سَيَجْزِيهِمْ وَصْفَهُمْ إِنَّهُۥ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ قَدْ خَسِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَتَلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَهُمْ سَفَهًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَحَرَّمُوا۟ مَا رَزَقَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱفْتِرَآءً عَلَى ٱللَّهِ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُهْتَدِينَ وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَ جَنَّٰتٍ مَّعْرُوشَٰتٍ وَغَيْرَ مَعْرُوشَٰتٍ وَٱلنَّخْلَ وَٱلزَّرْعَ مُخْتَلِفًا أُكُلُهُۥ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُتَشَٰبِهًا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَٰبِهٍ كُلُوا۟ مِن ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ وَمِنَ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ حَمُولَةً وَفَرْشًا كُلُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

Qur’an 6:137وَلِيَلْبِسُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ دِينَهُمْ

«cause confusion in their religion.»”^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:137} Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:137وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا فَعَلُوهُ

«And if Allāh had willed, they would not have done so.» meaning, all this occurred by Allāh's leave, will and decree, but He dislikes these practices, and He has the perfect wisdom in every decree. He is never questioned about what He does, but they all will be questioned.

Qur’anفَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ

«So leave them alone with their fabrications.» meaning, avoid and abandon them and what they do, for Allāh will judge between you and them.

Qur’an 6:138وَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أَنْعَٰمٌ وَحَرْثٌ حِجْرٌ لَّا يَطْعَمُهَآ إِلَّا مَن نَّشَآءُ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَأَنْعَٰمٌ حُرِّمَتْ ظُهُورُهَا وَأَنْعَٰمٌ لَّا يَذْكُرُونَ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا ٱفْتِرَآءً عَلَيْهِ سَيَجْزِيهِم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«138. And according to their claim, they say that such and such cattle and crops are Ḥijr (forbidden), and none should eat of them except those whom we allow. And (they say) there are cattle forbidden to be used for burden, and cattle on which (at slaughtering) the Name of Allāh is not pronounced; lying against Him (Allāh). He will recompense them for what they used to fabricate.﴿

The Idolators Forbade Certain Types of Cattle 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said, “Ḥijr refers to what they forbade, such as the Waṣīlah, and the like.” ^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:143}Similar was said by Mujāhid, Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk, As-Suddi, Qatādah, 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam and others.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:143} Qatādah commented on,

Qur’an 6:138وَقَالُوا۟ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أَنْعَٰمٌ وَحَرْثٌ حِجْرٌ

«They say that such and such cattle and crops are Ḥijr,» “It is a prohibition that the Shayāṭīn appointed for their wealth, and a type of exaggeration and extremism that did not come from Allāh.” ['Abdur-Raḥmān] Ibn Zayd bin Aslam said that,

Qur’an 6:138حِجْرٌ

«Ḥijr,» refers to what the idolators designated for their deities.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:143} As-Suddi said that the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:138لَّا يَطْعَمُهَآ إِلَّا مَن نَّشَآءُ بِزَعْمِهِمْ

«And none should eat of them except those whom we allow, they claimed...» means, “They said, only those whom we choose can eat of them., and the rest are prohibited from eating them.”^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:143} Similar to this honorable Āyah, Allāh said,

Qur’an 10:59قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُم مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ فَجَعَلْتُم مِّنْهُ حَرَامًا وَحَلَٰلًا قُلْ ءَآللَّهُ أَذِنَ لَكُمْ أَمْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ تَفْتَرُونَ

«Say: “Tell me, what provision Allāh has sent down to you! And you have made of it lawful and unlawful.” Say: “Has Allāh permitted you (to do so), or do you invent a lie against Allāh?”» [10:59], and,

Qur’an 5:103مَا جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنۢ بَحِيرَةٍ وَلَا سَآئِبَةٍ وَلَا وَصِيلَةٍ وَلَا حَامٍ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ

«Allāh has not instituted things like Baḥīrah or a Sā'ibah or a Waṣīlah or a Ḥām. But those who disbelieve invent lies against Allāh, and most of them have no understanding.» [5:103] As-Suddi said that cattle forbidden to be used for burden were the Baḥīrah, Sā'ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥām, as well as cattle for which the idolators did not mention Allāh's Name when slaughtering them nor when they were born. Abu Bakr bin 'Ayyāsh said that 'Āṣim bin Abi An-Najūd said, “Abu Wā'il said to me, 'Do you know the meaning of the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:138وَأَنْعَٰمٌ حُرِّمَتْ ظُهُورُهَا وَأَنْعَٰمٌ لَّا يَذْكُرُونَ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا

«And (they say) there are cattle forbidden to be used for burden, and cattle on which the Name of Allāh is not pronounced.» I said, 'No.' He said, 'It is the Baḥīrah, which they would not use to for Ḥajj (either by riding it or carrying things on it).”^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:144} Mujāhid also said that they were some of the camels belonging to idolators on which Allāh's Name was not mentioned when riding, milking, carrying things, copulation or any other action.^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:145}

Qur’an 6:138ٱفْتِرَآءً عَلَيْهِ

«lying against Him.» against Allāh. The idolators indeed lied when they attributed this evil to Allāh's religion and Law; He did not allow them to do that nor did He approve of it,

Qur’an 6:138سَيَجْزِيهِم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ

«He will recompense them for what they used to fabricate.» against Him, and falsely attribute to Him.

Qur’an 6:139وَقَالُوا۟ مَا فِى بُطُونِ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ خَالِصَةٌ لِّذُكُورِنَا وَمُحَرَّمٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَإِن يَكُن مَّيْتَةً فَهُمْ فِيهِ شُرَكَآءُ سَيَجْزِيهِمْ وَصْفَهُمْ إِنَّهُۥ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

«139. And they say: “What is in the bellies of such and such cattle is for our males alone, and forbidden to our females, but if it is born dead, then all have shares therein.” He will punish them for their attribution (of such false orders to Allāh). Verily, He is All-Wise, All-Knower.»

Abu Isḥāq As-Subay'ī narrated that 'Abdullāh bin Abi Al-Hudhayl reported that Ibn 'Abbās said that,

Qur’an 6:139وَقَالُوا۟ مَا فِى بُطُونِ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ خَالِصَةٌ لِّذُكُورِنَا

«And they say: “What is in the bellies of such and such cattle is for our males alone...”» refers to milk.^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:146}

'Awfi said that Ibn 'Abbās said about this Āyah,

Qur’an 6:139وَقَالُوا۟ مَا فِى بُطُونِ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ خَالِصَةٌ لِّذُكُورِنَا

«And they say: “What is in the bellies of such and such cattle is for our males alone...”»

“It is about milk, which they prohibited for their females and allowed only their males to drink. When a sheep would give birth to a male sheep, they would slaughter it and feed it to their males, but not to their females. If the newly born lamb was a female, they would not slaughter it, but if it was stillborn, they would share in it (with their females)! Allāh forbade this practice.”^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:147} Similar was said by As-Suddi.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:148}

Ash-Sha'bi said, “The Baḥīrah's milk was only given to the men. But if any cattle from the Baḥīrah died, both men and women would share in eating it.” Similar was said by 'Ikrimah, Qatādah and 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam.

Mujāhid commented;

Qur’an 6:139وَقَالُوا۟ مَا فِى بُطُونِ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ خَالِصَةٌ لِّذُكُورِنَا وَمُحَرَّمٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَزْوَٰجِنَا

«And they say: “What is in the bellies of such and such cattle is for our males alone, and forbidden to our females...”»

“It refers to the Sā'ibah and the Baḥīrah.” ^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:148}Abu Al-'Āliyah, Mujāhid and Qatādah said that Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:139سَيَجْزِيهِمْ وَصْفَهُمْ

«He will punish them for their attribution.» means, uttering such falsehood.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:152} This is explained by Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 16:116وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُكُمُ ٱلْكَذِبَ هَٰذَا حَلَٰلٌ وَهَٰذَا حَرَامٌ لِّتَفْتَرُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ

«And say not concerning that which your tongues falsely utter: “This is lawful and this is forbidden.” so as to invent lies against Allāh. Verily, those who invent lies against Allāh will never prosper.» [16:116] Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:139إِنَّهُۥ حَكِيمٌ

«Verily, He is All-Wise.» in His actions, statements, Law and decree,

Qur’an 6:139عَلِيمٌ

«All-Knower», in the actions of His servants, whether good or evil, and He will recompense them for these deeds completely.

Qur’an 6:140قَدْ خَسِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَتَلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَهُمْ سَفَهًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَحَرَّمُوا۟ مَا رَزَقَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱفْتِرَآءً عَلَى ٱللَّهِ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُهْتَدِينَ

«140. Indeed lost are they who have killed their children, foolishly, without knowledge, and (they) have forbidden that which Allāh has provided for them, inventing a lie against Allāh. They have indeed gone astray and were not guided.» Allāh says that those who committed these evil acts have earned the loss of this life and the Hereafter. As for this life, they lost when they killed their children and made it difficult for themselves by prohibiting some types of their wealth, as an act of innovation that they invented on their own. As for the Hereafter, they will end up in the worst dwellings, because they used to lie about Allāh and invent falsehood about Him. Allāh also said,

Qur’an 10:69–70إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ مَتَٰعٌ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا

Qur’an 10:70مَرْجِعُهُمْ ثُمَّ نُذِيقُهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابَ ٱلشَّدِيدَ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ

«Say: “Verily, those who invent a lie against Allāh will never be successful.” (A brief) enjoyment in this world! And then unto Us will be their return, then We shall make them taste the severest torment because they used to disbelieve.» [10:69-70]

Al-Ḥāfiẓ Abu Bakr bin Marduwyah recorded that Ibn 'Abbās commented, “If it pleases you to know how ignorant the Arabs used to be, then recite the Āyāt beyond Āyah one hundred and thirty in Sūrat Al-An'ām,

Qur’an 6:140قَدْ خَسِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَتَلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَهُمْ سَفَهًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَحَرَّمُوا۟ مَا رَزَقَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ٱفْتِرَآءً عَلَى ٱللَّهِ قَدْ ضَلُّوا۟ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُهْتَدِينَ

«Indeed lost are they who have killed their children, foolishly, without knowledge, and [they] have forbidden that which Allāh has provided for them, inventing a lie against Allāh. They have indeed gone astray and were not guided.»”

Al-Bukhāri also recorded this in the section of his Ṣaḥīḥ on the virtues of the Quraysh.^{1Fatḥ Al-Bāri 6:636}

Qur’an 6:141–142وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَ جَنَّٰتٍ مَّعْرُوشَٰتٍ وَغَيْرَ مَعْرُوشَٰتٍ وَٱلنَّخْلَ وَٱلزَّرْعَ مُخْتَلِفًا أُكُلُهُۥ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُتَشَٰبِهًا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَٰبِهٍ كُلُوا۟ مِن ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ وَمِنَ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ حَمُولَةً وَفَرْشًا كُلُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

«141. And it is He Who produces gardens Ma'rūshāt and not Ma'rushāt, and date palms, and crops of different shape and taste, and olives, and pomegranates, similar, and different. Eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof on the day of their harvest, and waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not the wasteful.»

«142. And of the cattle (are some) for burden and (some smaller) for Farsh. Eat of what Allāh has provided for you, and follow not the footsteps of Shayṭān. Surely, he is to you an open enemy.»

Allāh Created the Produce, Seed Grains and Cattle

Allāh states that He created everything, including the produce, fruits and cattle that the idolators mishandled by their misguided ideas, dividing them into various designated parts, allowing some and prohibiting some. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:141وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَ جَنَّٰتٍ مَّعْرُوشَٰتٍ وَغَيْرَ مَعْرُوشَٰتٍ

«And it is He Who produces gardens Ma'rūshāt and not Ma'rūshāt,»

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās commented, "Ma'rūshāt refers to what the people trellise, while 'not Ma'rūshāt' refers to fruits (and produce) that grow wild inland and on mountains."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:156} 'Aṭā' Al-Khurāsāni said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Ma'rūshāt are the grapevines that are trellised, while 'not Ma'rūshāt' refers to grapevines that are not trellised." As-Suddi said similarly. As for these fruits being similar, yet different, Ibn Jurayj said, "They are similar in shape, but different in taste."^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:157} Muḥammad bin Ka'b said that the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:141كُلُوا۟ مِن ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ

«Eat of their fruit when they ripen,»

means, "(Eat) from the dates and grapes they produce." ^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:157}Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:141وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ

«but pay the due thereof on the day of their harvest,»

Mujāhid commented, "When the poor people are present (on the day of harvest), give them some of the produce."^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:163} 'Abdur-Razzāq recorded that Mujāhid commented on the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:141وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ

«but pay the due thereof on the day of their harvest.»

"When planting, one gives away handfuls (of seed grains) and on harvest, he gives away handfuls and allows them to pick whatever is left on the ground of the harvest."^{5'Abdur-Razzāq 2:219} Ath-Thawri said that Ḥammād narrated that Ibrāhīm An-Nakha'ī said, "One gives away some of the hay."^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:165} Ibn Al-Mubārak said that Shurayk said that Sālim said that Sa'īd bin Jubayr commented;

Qur’an 6:141وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ

«but pay the due thereof on the day of their harvest,»

"This ruling, giving the poor the handfuls (of seed grains) and some of the hay as food for their animals, was before Zakāh became obligatory."

Allāh has chastised those who harvest, without giving away a part of it as charity. Allāh mentioned the story of the owners of the garden in Sūrat Nūn,

Qur’an 68:17–33إِذْ أَقْسَمُوا۟ لَيَصْرِمُنَّهَا مُصْبِحِينَ وَلَا يَسْتَثْنُونَ فَطَافَ عَلَيْهَا طَآئِفٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ وَهُمْ نَآئِمُونَ فَأَصْبَحَتْ كَٱلصَّرِيمِ فَتَنَادَوْا۟ مُصْبِحِينَ أَنِ ٱغْدُوا۟ عَلَىٰ حَرْثِكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰرِمِينَ فَٱنطَلَقُوا۟ وَهُمْ يَتَخَٰفَتُونَ أَن لَّا يَدْخُلَنَّهَا ٱلْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكُم مِّسْكِينٌ وَغَدَوْا۟ عَلَىٰ حَرْدٍ قَٰدِرِينَ فَلَمَّا رَأَوْهَا قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا لَضَآلُّونَ بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ قَالَ أَوْسَطُهُمْ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ لَوْلَا تُسَبِّحُونَ قَالُوا۟ سُبْحَٰنَ رَبِّنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَٰلِمِينَ فَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَلَٰوَمُونَ قَالُوا۟ يَٰوَيْلَنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا طَٰغِينَ عَسَىٰ رَبُّنَآ أَن يُبْدِلَنَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهَآ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا رَٰغِبُونَ كَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْعَذَابُ وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ أَكْبَرُ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ

«When they swore to pluck the fruits of the (garden) in the morning. Without saying: "If Allāh wills." Then there passed by on the (garden) a visitation (fire) from your Lord at night, burning it while they were asleep. So the (garden) became black by the morning, like a pitch dark night (in complete ruins). Then they called out one to another as soon as the morning broke. Saying: "Go to your tilth in the morning, if you would pluck the fruits." So they departed, conversing in secret low tones (saying). "No poor person shall enter upon you into it today." And they went in the morning with strong intention, thinking that they have power (to prevent the poor taking anything of the fruits therefrom). But when they saw the (garden), they said: "Verily, we have gone astray." (Then they said): "Nay! Indeed we are deprived of (the fruits)!" The best among them said: "Did I not tell you, why say you not: 'If Allāh wills'." They said: "Glory to Our Lord! Verily, we have been wrongdoers." Then they turned one against another, blaming. They said: "Woe to us! We have transgressed. We hope that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this. Truly, we turn to our Lord." Such is the punishment (in this life), but truly, the punishment of the Hereafter is greater if they but knew.» [68:18-33].

Prohibiting Extravagance

Allāh said,

Qur’anوَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

«And waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not the wasteful.»

It was said that the extravagance prohibited here refers to excessive charity beyond normal amounts. Ibn Jurayj said, "This Āyah was revealed concerning Thābit bin Qays bin Shammās, who plucked the fruits of his date palms. Then he said to himself, 'This day, every person who comes to me, I will feed him from it.' So he kept feeding (them) until the evening came and he ended up with no dates. Allāh sent down,

Qur’anوَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

«And waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not the wasteful.»"

Ibn Jarīr recorded this statement from Ibn Jurayj. However, thhe apparent meaning of this Āyah, and Allāh knows best, is that;

Qur’an 6:141كُلُوا۟ مِن ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟

«Eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof on the day of their harvest, and waste not...»

refers to eating, meaning, do not waste in eating because this spoils the mind and the body. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 7:31وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟

«And eat and drink but waste not by extravagance.» [7:31]

In his Ṣaḥīḥ, Al-Bukhāri recorded a Ḥadīth without a chain of narration;

Ḥadīthكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَالْبَسُوا مِنْ غَيْرِ إِسْرَافٍ وَلَا مَخِيلَةٍ

«Eat, drink and clothe yourselves without extravagance or arrogance.»^{7The Book of Clothing, the first chapter, with slightly different wording. It was recorded with a complete chain by Ibn Mājah, An-Nasā'ī, and others.}

Therefore, these Ayāt have the same meaning as this Ḥadīth. and Allāh knows best.

Benefits of Cattle

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:142وَمِنَ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ حَمُولَةً وَفَرْشًا

«And of the cattle (are some) for burden and (some smaller) for Farsh.»

means, He created cattle for you, some of which are suitable for burden, such as camels, and some are Farsh. Ath-Thawri narrated that Abu Isḥāq said that Abu Al-Aḥwaṣ said that 'Abdullāh said that 'animals for burden' are the camels that are used for carrying things, while, 'Farsh', refers to small camels. Al-Ḥākim recorded it and said, "Its chain is Ṣaḥīḥ and they did not record it."^{8Al-Ḥākim 2:317} 'Abdur-Raḥmān bin Zayd bin Aslam said that 'animals for burden' refers to the animals that people ride, while, 'Farsh' is that they eat (its meat) and milk it. The sheep is not able to carry things, so you eat its meat and use its wool for covers and mats (or clothes).^{9Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:181} This statement of 'Abdur-Raḥmān is sound, and the following Āyāt testify to it,

Qur’an 36:71–72أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا خَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّمَّا عَمِلَتْ أَيْدِينَآ أَنْعَٰمًا فَهُمْ لَهَا مَٰلِكُونَ وَذَلَّلْنَٰهَا لَهُمْ فَمِنْهَا رَكُوبُهُمْ وَمِنْهَا يَأْكُلُونَ

«Do they not see that We have created for them of what Our Hands have created, the cattle, so that they are their owners. And We have subdued them unto them so that some of them they have for riding and some they eat.﴿ [36:71-72], and,

Qur’an 16:66وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ لَعِبْرَةً نُّسْقِيكُم مِّمَّا فِى بُطُونِهِۦ مِنۢ بَيْنِ فَرْثٍ وَدَمٍ لَّبَنًا خَالِصًا سَآئِغًا لِّلشَّٰرِبِينَ

«And verily, in the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers.﴿ [16:66], until,

Qur’an 16:80وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَآ أَثَٰثًا وَمَتَٰعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

«And of their wool, fur and hair, furnishings and articles of convenience, comfort for a while.﴿ [16:80].

Eat the Meat of These Cattle, But Do Not Follow Shayṭān's Law Concerning Them

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:142كُلُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ

«Eat of what Allāh has provided for you,﴿

of fruits, produce and cattle. Allāh created all these and provided you with them as provision.

Qur’an 6:142وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ

«and follow not the footsteps of Shayṭān.﴿

meaning, his way and orders, just as the idolators followed him and prohibited fruits and produce that Allāh provided for them, claiming that this falsehood came from Allāh.

Qur’an 6:142إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ

«Surely, he is to you﴿ meaning; Shayṭān, O people, is to you,

Qur’anعَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

«an open enemy﴿ and his enmity to you is clear and apparent. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 35:6إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَٱتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا إِنَّمَا يَدْعُوا۟ حِزْبَهُۥ لِيَكُونُوا۟ مِنْ أَصْحَٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ

«Surely, Shayṭān is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Ḥizb (followers) that they may

Qur’an 6:143–146ثَمَٰنِيَةَ أَزْوَٰجٍ مِّنَ ٱلضَّأْنِ ٱثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمَعْزِ ٱثْنَيْنِ قُلْ ءَآلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ نَبِّـُٔونِى بِعِلْمٍ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ وَمِنَ ٱلْإِبِلِ ٱثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ ٱلْبَقَرِ ٱثْنَيْنِ قُلْ ءَآلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمْ كُنتُمْ شُهَدَآءَ إِذْ وَصَّىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا لِّيُضِلَّ ٱلنَّاسَ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ قُل لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُۥ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقًا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ حَرَّمْنَا كُلَّ ذِى ظُفُرٍ وَمِنَ ٱلْبَقَرِ وَٱلْغَنَمِ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ شُحُومَهُمَآ إِلَّا مَا حَمَلَتْ ظُهُورُهُمَآ أَوِ ٱلْحَوَايَآ أَوْ مَا ٱخْتَلَطَ بِعَظْمٍ ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَٰهُم بِبَغْيِهِمْ وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ

become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.» [35:6] and,

Qur’an 7:27يَٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ لَا يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ كَمَآ أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجَنَّةِ يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوْءَٰتِهِمَآ

«O Children of Ādam! Let not Shayṭān deceive you, as he got your parents out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment, to show them their private parts.» [7:27] and,

Qur’an 18:50أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُۥ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُۥٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِى وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّۢ بِئْسَ لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ بَدَلًا

«Will you then take him (Iblīs) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the wrongdoers.»[18:50]

There are many other Āyāt on this subject.

Qur’an 6:143–144ثَمَٰنِيَةَ أَزْوَٰجٍ مِّنَ ٱلضَّأْنِ ٱثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمَعْزِ ٱثْنَيْنِ قُلْ ءَآلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ نَبِّـُٔونِى بِعِلْمٍ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ وَمِنَ ٱلْإِبِلِ ٱثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ ٱلْبَقَرِ ٱثْنَيْنِ قُلْ ءَآلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ أَمْ كُنتُمْ شُهَدَآءَ إِذْ وَصَّىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا لِّيُضِلَّ ٱلنَّاسَ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«143. Eight pairs: of the sheep two (male and female), and of the goats two (male and female). Say: "Has He forbidden the two males or the two females, or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose? Inform me with knowledge if you are truthful."»

«144. And of the camels two, and of oxen two. Say: "Has He forbidden the two males or the two females or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose? Or were you present when Allāh ordered you such a thing? Then who does more wrong than one who invents a lie against Allāh, to lead mankind astray without knowledge. Certainly Allāh guides not the people who are wrongdoers."»

These Āyāt demonstrate the ignorance of the Arabs before Islām. They used to prohibit the usage of some of their cattle and designate them as Baḥīrah, Sā'ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥām etc. These were some of the innovations they invented for cattle, fruits and produce. Allāh stated that He has created gardens, trellised and untrellised, and cattle, as animals of burden and as Farsh. Allāh next mentioned various kinds of cattle, male and female, such as sheep and goats. He also created male and female camels and the same with cows. Allāh did not prohibit any of these cattle or their offspring. Rather, they all were created for the sons of Ādam as a source for food, transportation, work, milk, and other benefits, which are many. Allāh said,

Qur’an 39:6وَأَنزَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ ثَمَٰنِيَةَ أَزْوَٰجٍ

«And He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs...» [39:6] Allāh said;

Qur’anأَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ

«...or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose...»

This refutes the idolators' statement,

Qur’an 6:139مَا فِى بُطُونِ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ خَالِصَةٌ لِّذُكُورِنَا وَمُحَرَّمٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَزْوَٰجِنَا

«What is in the bellies of such and such cattle is for our males alone, and forbidden to our females.» [6:139] Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:143نَبِّـُٔونِى بِعِلْمٍ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

«Inform me with knowledge if you are truthful.» meaning, tell me with sure knowledge, how and when did Allāh prohibit what you claimed is prohibited, such as the Baḥīrah, Sā'ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥām etc.? Al-'Awfi said that Ibn 'Abbās said, "Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:143ثَمَٰنِيَةَ أَزْوَٰجٍ مِّنَ ٱلضَّأْنِ ٱثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ ٱلْمَعْزِ ٱثْنَيْنِ

«Eight pairs: of the sheep two, and of the goats two...» these are four pairs,

Qur’anقُلْ ءَآلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ

«Say: "Has He forbidden the two males or the two females..."» I (Allāh) did not prohibit any of these.

Qur’anأَمَّا ٱشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ ٱلْأُنثَيَيْنِ

«or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose?» and does the womb produce but males and females? So why do you prohibit some and allow some others?

Qur’an 6:143نَبِّـُٔونِى بِعِلْمٍ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ

«Inform me with knowledge if you are truthful.» Allāh is saying that all of this is allowed."^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:187} Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:144أَمْ كُنتُمْ شُهَدَآءَ إِذْ وَصَّىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا

«Or, were you present when Allāh ordered you such a thing?» mocking the idolators' innovations, and their lies that Allāh made sacred what they have prohibited.

Qur’an 6:144فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا لِّيُضِلَّ ٱلنَّاسَ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ

«Then who does more wrong than one who invents a lie against Allāh, to lead mankind astray without knowledge.» Therefore, no one is more unjust than the people described here and

Qur’anإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

«Certainly, Allāh guides not the people who are wrongdoers.» The person most worthy of this condemnation is 'Amr bin

Qur’an 6:145قُل لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُۥ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقًا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Luḥay bin Qum'ah. He was the first person to change the religion of the Prophets and designate the Sā’ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥam, as mentioned in the Ṣaḥīḥ.^{2Fatḥ Al-Bāri 8:132}

«145. Say: "I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine; for that surely, is unclean (Rijs), or immorally slaughtered in the name of other than Allāh. But whosoever is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits; (for him) certainly, your Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."»

Forbidden Things

Allāh commands His servant and Messenger, Muḥammad ﷺ,

«قُلْ»

Qur’an 6:145قُل

«Say» O Muḥammad ﷺ to those who prohibited what Allāh has provided them, claiming this falsehood to be from Allāh,

Qur’an 6:145لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ

«I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it,»

This Āyah means, I do not find any animals that are prohibited, except these mentioned here. We should mention here that the prohibited things mentioned in Sūrat Al-Mā'idah and the Ḥadīths on this subject amend the meaning of this Āyah.

Qur’an 6:145أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا

«or blood poured.» Qatādah commented, "Poured blood was prohibited, but the meat that still has some blood in it is allowed.” ^{1Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:193}

Al-Ḥumaydi said that Sufyān narrated to us that 'Amr bin Dīnār narrated to us, "I said to Jābir bin 'Abdullāh, 'They claim that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ prohibited the meat of donkeys during (the day of) Khaybar.' He said, 'Al-Ḥakam bin 'Amr narrated that from the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. That scholar - refering to Ibn 'Abbās - denied it, reciting the Āyah;

Qur’an 6:145قُل لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ

«Say: "I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it..."»'"^{2Al-Ḥumaydi 2:379} Al-Bukhāri and Abu Dāwud collected it.^{3Fatḥ Al-Bāri 9:570 and Abu Dāwud 4:162}

Abu Bakr bin Marduwyah and Al-Ḥākim, in his Mustadrak, recorded that Ibn 'Abbās said, "During the time of Jāhiliyyah, the people used to eat some things and avoid some other things, because they disliked them. Later on, Allāh sent His Prophet ﷺ, revealed His Book, allowed what He allowed, and prohibited what He prohibited. Therefore, whatever Allāh allowed is lawful and whatever He prohibited is unlawful. Whatever He did not mention, there is no sin in it." He then recited the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:145قُل لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ

«Say: "I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it..."»

This is the wording with Ibn Marduwyah. Abu Dāwud also recorded this statement, and Al-Ḥākim said, "Its chain is Ṣaḥīḥ and they did not record it."^{4Abu Dāwud, 3800 and Al-Ḥākim 4:115}

Imām Aḥmad recorded that Ibn 'Abbās said, "A sheep belonging to Sawdah bint Zam'ah died and she said, 'O Allāh's Messenger! So-and-so (sheep) has died.' He said,

Ḥadīthفَلِمَ لَا أَخَذْتُمْ مَسْكَهَا؟

«Why did you not use its skin?» She said, 'Should we use the skin of a sheep that has died?' Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said,

«إِنَّمَا قَالَ اللهُ:

Qur’an 6:145قُل لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ

وَإِنَّكُمْ لَا تَطْعَمُونَهُ أَنْ تَدْبُغُوهُ فَتَنْتَفِعُوا بِهِ»

«Allāh only said, «Say: "I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, except Maytah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine....» You will not be eating it if you tan its skin and benefit from it.»

So she had the sheep skinned, the skin was tanned and made into a water skin that she kept until it wore out."^{5Aḥmad 1:327} Al-Bukhāri and an-Nasā'ī collected a similar Ḥadīth.^{6Fatḥ Al-Bāri 11:557 and An-Nasā'ī 7:173}

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:145فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ

«But whosoever is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits;»

Therefore, whoever is forced by necessity to eat anything that Allāh has forbidden in this honorable Āyah, without transgressing his limits, then for him,

Qur’an 6:145فَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

«certainly, your Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.»

We mentioned the explanation of this Āyah in Sūrat Al-Baqarah. This honorable Āyah contradicts the idolators' innovated prohibitions for certain kinds of wealth, relying merely on their misguided ideas, such as the Baḥīrah, Sā'ibah, Waṣīlah and Ḥām. Allāh commanded His Messenger ﷺ to inform them that he does not find that such types of animals are prohibited in what Allāh revealed to him. In this Āyah, Allāh only prohibited dead animals, poured blood, the flesh of swine and what has been slaughtered for something other than Allāh. Other things were not prohibited here, but rather treated as that which does not have a ruling, i.e., permissible. Therefore, how do you - idolators - claim that such items are prohibited, and why did you prohibit them when Allāh did not prohibit them?

Qur’an 6:146وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ حَرَّمْنَا كُلَّ ذِى ظُفُرٍ وَمِنَ ٱلْبَقَرِ وَٱلْغَنَمِ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ شُحُومَهُمَآ إِلَّا مَا حَمَلَتْ ظُهُورُهُمَآ أَوِ ٱلْحَوَايَآ أَوْ مَا ٱخْتَلَطَ بِعَظْمٍ ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَٰهُم بِبَغْيِهِمْ وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ

«146. And unto those who are Jews, We forbade every (animal) with undivided hoof, and We forbade them the fat of the ox and the sheep except what adheres to their backs or their Ḥawāyā, or is mixed up with a bone. Thus We recompensed them for their rebellion. And verily, We are Truthful.»

Foods that were Prohibited for the Jews Because of their Transgression

Allāh says, We forbade for the Jews every bird and animal with undivided hoof,^{1See the comments on Sūrah Āl 'Imrān, 3:93} such as the camel, ostrich, duck and goose. Allāh said here,

Qur’an 6:146وَمِنَ ٱلْبَقَرِ وَٱلْغَنَمِ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ شُحُومَهُمَآ

«and We forbade them the fat of the ox and the sheep...»

The Jews used to forbid these types of foods saying that Isrā'īl, or Ya'qūb, used to forbid them for himself so they too forbid them. This was mentioned by As-Suddi.

'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah reported that Ibn 'Abbās said that,

Qur’an 6:146إِلَّا مَا حَمَلَتْ ظُهُورُهُمَآ

«except what adheres to their backs»

refers to the fat that clings to their backs.^{2Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:202} Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:146أَوِ ٱلْحَوَايَآ

«or their Ḥawāyā﴾

that is, the entrails, according to Abu Ja'far bin Jarīr. He also said, "The meaning here is, 'And from ox and sheep, We forbade their fat for the Jews, except the fat on their backs and what the entrails carry.'" 'Ali bin Abi Ṭalḥah said that, Ibn 'Abbās said that the, Ḥawāyā, are the entrails.^{3Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:203} Similar was reported from Mujāhid,^{4Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:204} Sa'īd bin Jubayr and Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk.^{5Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:204} Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:146أَوْ مَا ٱخْتَلَطَ بِعَظْمٍ

«....or is mixed up with a bone.»

means, We allowed the Jews the fat that is mixed with bones. Ibn Jurayj commented, "The fat on the rump that is mixed with the tailbone was allowed for them, and also the fat on the legs, head, eyes and what adheres to the bones."^{6Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:205} As-Suddi said similarly.^{7Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:205} Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:146ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَٰهُم بِبَغْيِهِمْ

«Thus We recompensed them for their rebellion.»

meaning, We imposed this restriction on them as recompense for their rebellion and defying Our commandments. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 4:160فَبِظُلْمٍ مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ طَيِّبَٰتٍ أُحِلَّتْ لَهُمْ وَبِصَدِّهِمْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَثِيرًا

«For the wrongdoing of the Jews, We made unlawful for them certain good foods which had been lawful for them - and for their hindering many from Allāh's way» [4:160].

Allāh's statement,

Qur’an 6:146وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ

«And verily, We are Truthful.»

means, We were justified in the penalty We gave them. Ibn Jarīr commented, "We are Truthful in what We informed you of, O Muḥammad; Our forbidding these foods for them, not as they claimed, that Israel merely forbade these things for himself (so they imitated him, they claimed)."^{8Aṭ-Ṭabari 12:206}

Qur’an 6:147–151فَإِن كَذَّبُوكَ فَقُل رَّبُّكُمْ ذُو رَحْمَةٍ وَٰسِعَةٍ وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأْسُهُۥ عَنِ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ سَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ لَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكْنَا وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَلَا حَرَّمْنَا مِن شَىْءٍ كَذَٰلِكَ كَذَّبَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ ذَاقُوا۟ بَأْسَنَا قُلْ هَلْ عِندَكُم مِّنْ عِلْمٍ فَتُخْرِجُوهُ لَنَآ إِن تَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا تَخْرُصُونَ قُلْ فَلِلَّهِ ٱلْحُجَّةُ ٱلْبَٰلِغَةُ فَلَوْ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ قُلْ هَلُمَّ شُهَدَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَ هَٰذَا فَإِن شَهِدُوا۟ فَلَا تَشْهَدْ مَعَهُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَهُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ قُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًا وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

The Tricks of the Jews, and Allāh's Curse

'Abdullāh bin 'Abbās narrated, "When 'Umar bin Al-Khaṭṭāb was told that Samurah sold liquor, he commented, 'May Allāh fight Samurah! Did he not know that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthلَعَنَ اللهُ الْيَهُودَ حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الشُّحُومُ فَجَمَلُوهَا فَبَاعُوهَا

«May Allāh curse the Jews! The fats were forbidden for them, so they melted the fat and sold it.»”

This Ḥadīth is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs.^{9Fatḥ Al-Bāri 4:483 and Muslim 3:1207} Jābir bin 'Abdullāh said, "In the year of the victory of Makkah, I heard Allāh's Messenger ﷺ saying;

Ḥadīthإِنَّ اللهَ وَرَسُولَهُ حَرَّمَ بَيْعَ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْتَةِ وَالْخِنْزِيرِ وَالأَصْنَامِ

«Allāh and His Messenger have forbidden selling alcoholic drinks (intoxicants), dead animals, swine and idols.»

He was asked, 'What about the fat of dead animals? They are used to dye skins, paint ships and are used as light by the people.' He said,

Ḥadīthلَا هُوَ حَرَامٌ

«No, it is still unlawful.» He ﷺ then said,

Ḥadīthقَاتَلَ اللهُ الْيَهُودَ إِنَّ اللهَ لَمَّا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْهِمْ شُحُومَهَا جَمَلُوهُ ثُمَّ بَاعُوهُ وَأَكَلُوا ثَمَنَهُ

«May Allāh fight the Jews! When Allāh forbade them the fats of animals, they melted the fat, sold it and ate its price.»"^{10Fatḥ Al-Bāri 4:495}

The Group recorded this Ḥadīth.^{11Fatḥ Al-Bāri 4:495, Muslim 3:1207, Abu Dāwud 3:356, Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 4:521, An-Nasā'ī 7:309 and Ibn Mājah 2:732}

Qur’an 6:147فَإِن كَذَّبُوكَ فَقُل رَّبُّكُمْ ذُو رَحْمَةٍ وَٰسِعَةٍ وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأْسُهُۥ عَنِ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«147. If they deny you say: "Your Lord is the Owner of vast mercy, and never will His wrath be turned back from the people who are criminals."»

Allāh says, if your opponents among the idolators, Jews and their likes reject you, O Muḥammad,

Qur’an 6:147فَقُل رَّبُّكُمْ ذُو رَحْمَةٍ وَٰسِعَةٍ

«Say: "Your Lord is the Owner of vast mercy..."» encouraging them to seek Allāh's vast mercy and follow His Messenger ﷺ,

Qur’an 6:147وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأْسُهُۥ عَنِ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ

«and never will His wrath be turned back from the people who are criminals.»

discouraging them from defying the Messenger, the Final Prophet, Muḥammad ﷺ.

Allāh often joins encouragement with threats in the Qur'ān. Allāh said at the end of this Sūrah:

Qur’an 6:165إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌۢ

«Surely, your Lord is swift in retribution, and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.» [6:165]

Allāh also said,

Qur’an 13:6وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو مَغْفِرَةٍ لِّلنَّاسِ عَلَىٰ ظُلْمِهِمْ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَشَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ

«But verily, your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind in spite of their wrongdoing. And verily, your Lord is (also) severe in punishment.» [13:6], and

Qur’an 15:49–50نَبِّئْ عِبَادِىٓ أَنِّىٓ أَنَا ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ وَأَنَّ عَذَابِى هُوَ ٱلْعَذَابُ ٱلْأَلِيمُ

«Declare unto My servants, that truly, I am the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. And that My torment is indeed the most painful torment.» [15:49-50], and

Qur’an 40:3غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوْبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلْعِقَابِ

«The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment.» [40:3] and,

Qur’an 85:12–14إِنَّ بَطْشَ رَبِّكَ لَشَدِيدٌ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ يُبْدِئُ وَيُعِيدُ وَهُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلْوَدُودُ

«Verily, the punishment of your Lord is severe and painful. Verily, He it is Who begins and repeats. And He is Oft-Forgiving, full of love.»[85:12-14].

There are many other Āyāt on this subject.

Qur’an 6:148–150سَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ لَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكْنَا وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَلَا حَرَّمْنَا مِن شَىْءٍ كَذَٰلِكَ كَذَّبَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ ذَاقُوا۟ بَأْسَنَا قُلْ هَلْ عِندَكُم مِّنْ عِلْمٍ فَتُخْرِجُوهُ لَنَآ إِن تَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا تَخْرُصُونَ قُلْ فَلِلَّهِ ٱلْحُجَّةُ ٱلْبَٰلِغَةُ فَلَوْ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ قُلْ هَلُمَّ شُهَدَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَ هَٰذَا فَإِن شَهِدُوا۟ فَلَا تَشْهَدْ مَعَهُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَهُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ

«148. Those who committed Shirk say: "If Allāh had willed, we would not have commited Shirk, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything (against His will)." Likewise belied those who were before them, till they tasted Our wrath. Say: "Have you any knowledge (proof) that you can produce before us? Verily, you follow the Zann and you do nothing but lie."»

«149. Say: "With Allāh is the perfect proof and argument; had He so willed, He would indeed have guided you all."»

«150. Say: "Bring forward your witnesses, who can testify that Allāh has forbidden this." Then if they testify, do not testify with them. And do not follow the vain desires of those who belie Our Āyāt, and such as believe not in the Hereafter, and they hold others as equal with their Lord.»

A False Notion and its Rebuttal

Here Allāh mentioned a debate with the idolators, refuting a false notion they have over their Shirk and the things that they prohibited. They said, surely, Allāh has full knowledge of the Shirk we indulge in, and that we forbid some kinds of wealth. Allāh is able to change this Shirk by directing us to the faith, - they claimed - and prevent us from falling into disbelief, but He did not do that. Therefore - they said Allāh indicated that He willed, decided and agreed that we do all this. They said,

Qur’an 6:148لَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَآ أَشْرَكْنَا وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَلَا حَرَّمْنَا مِن شَىْءٍ

«"If Allāh had willed, we would not have taken partners (in worship) with Him, nor would our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything."»

Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 43:20وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْ شَآءَ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنُ مَا عَبَدْنَٰهُم

«And they said: "If it had been the will of the Most Gracious (Allāh), we should not have worshipped them (false deities)"» [43:20].

Similar is mentioned in Sūrat An-Naḥl. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:148كَذَٰلِكَ كَذَّبَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ

«Likewise belied those who were before them,»

for by using and relying on this understanding, the misguided ones before them were led astray. This notion is false and ungrounded, for had it been true, Allāh would not have harmed them, destroyed them, aided His honorable Messengers over them, and made them taste His painful punishment.

Qur’an 6:148قُلْ هَلْ عِندَكُم مِّنْ عِلْمٍ

«Say: "Have you any knowledge..."» that Allāh is pleased with you and with your ways,

Qur’an 6:148فَتُخْرِجُوهُ لَنَآ

«that you can produce before us.» and make it plain, apparent and clear for us. However,

Qur’an 6:148إِن تَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ

«Verily, you only follow the Ẓann» doubts and wishful thinking,

Qur’an 6:148وَإِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا تَخْرُصُونَ

«and you do nothing but lie» about Allāh in the false claims that you utter. Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:149قُلْ فَلِلَّهِ ٱلْحُجَّةُ ٱلْبَٰلِغَةُ فَلَوْ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

«Say: "With Allāh is the perfect proof and argument; had He so willed, He would indeed have guided you all."»

Allāh said to His Prophet ﷺ

Qur’an 6:149قُلْ

«Say» O Muḥammad, to them,

Qur’an 6:149فَلِلَّهِ ٱلْحُجَّةُ ٱلْبَٰلِغَةُ

«"With Allāh is the perfect proof and argument..."» the perfect wisdom and unequivocal proof to guide whom He wills and misguide whom He wills.

Qur’an 6:149فَلَوْ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

«had He so willed, He would indeed have guided you all.»

All of this happens accordng to His decree, His will, and His choice. So in this way, He is pleased with the believers, and angry with the disbelievers. Allāh said in other Āyāt,

Qur’an 6:35وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَمَعَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰ

«And had Allāh willed, He could have gathered them together (all) on true guidance,» [6:35] and

Qur’an 10:99وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ لَـَٔامَنَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ

«And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together.» [10:99] and,

Qur’an 11:118–119وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ لَجَعَلَ ٱلنَّاسَ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَا يَزَالُونَ مُخْتَلِفِينَ إِلَّا مَن رَّحِمَ رَبُّكَ وَلِذَٰلِكَ خَلَقَهُمْ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَةُ رَبِّكَ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ ٱلْجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ

«And if your Lord had so willed, He could surely have made mankind one Ummah, but they will not cease to disagree. Except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His mercy and for that did He create them. And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled: "Surely, I shall fill Hell with Jinns and men all together."» [11:118-119]

Aḍ-Ḍaḥḥāk said, "No one has an excuse if he disobeys Allāh. Surely, Allāh has the perfect proof established against His servants." Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:150قُلْ هَلُمَّ شُهَدَآءَكُمُ

«Bring forward your witnesses,» produce your witnesses,

Qur’an 6:150ٱلَّذِينَ يَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَرَّمَ هَٰذَا

«who can testify that Allāh has forbidden this.»

which you have forbidden and lied and invented about Allāh in this regard,

Qur’an 6:150فَإِن شَهِدُوا۟ فَلَا تَشْهَدْ مَعَهُمْ

«Then if they testify, do not testify with them.»

because in this case, their testimony is false and untrue,

Qur’an 6:150وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَهُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ

«And do not follow the vain desires of those who belie Our Āyāt, and such as believe not in the Hereafter, and they hold others as equal with their Lord.»

by associating others with Allāh in worship and treating them as equals to Him.

Qur’an 6:151قُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًا وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلْفَوَٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

«151. Say: "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be kind and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them. Come not near to Al-Fawāḥish (immoral sins) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allāh has forbidden, except for a just cause. This He has commanded you that you may understand."»

Ten Commandments

Dāwud Al-Awdy narrated that, Ash-Sha'bi said that, 'Alqamah said that Ibn Mas'ūd said, "Whoever wishes to read the will and testament of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ on which he placed his seal, let him read these Āyāt,

Qur’an 6:151قُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا

«Say: "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him..."»

until,

Qur’anلَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

«...so that you may have Taqwā» [6:153]."^{1Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi 8:446}

In his Mustadrak, Al-Ḥākim recorded that Ibn 'Abbās said, "In Sūrah Al-An‘ām [6], there are clear Āyāt, and they are the Mother of the Book (the Qur'ān)." He then recited,

Qur’an 6:151قُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ

«Say: "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from..."»

Al-Ḥākim said, "Its chain is Ṣaḥīḥ, and they did not record it."^{2Al-Ḥākim 2:317}

In his Mustadrak Al-Ḥākim also recorded that 'Ubādah bin Aṣ-Ṣāmiṭ said, "The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَيُّكُمْ يُبَايِعُنِي عَلَى ثَلَاثٍ

«Who among you will give me his pledge to do three things?»

He then recited the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:151قُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ

«Say: "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from..."» until the end of the Āyāt. He then said,

Ḥadīthفَمَنْ وَفَى فَأَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَمَنِ انْتَقَصَ مِنْهُنَّ شَيْئًا فَأَدْرَكَهُ اللَّهُ بِهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا كَانَتْ عُقُوبَتَهُ، وَمَنْ أَخَّرَ إِلَى الْآخِرَةِ فَأَمْرُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنْ شَاءَ عَذَّبَهُ وَإِنْ شَاءَ عَفَا عَنْهُ

«Whoever fulfills (this pledge), then his reward will be with Allāh, but whoever fell into shortcomings and Allāh punishes him for it in this life, then that will be his recompense. Whoever Allāh delays (his reckoning) until the Hereafter, then his matter is with Allāh. If He wills, He will punish him, and if He wills, He will forgive him.»"

Al-Ḥākim said, "Its chain is Ṣaḥīḥ and they did not record it."^{3Al-Ḥākim 2:318}

As for the explanation of this Āyah, Allāh said to His Prophet and Messenger Muḥammad ﷺ: Say, O Muḥammad, to those idolators who worshipped other than Allāh, forbade what Allāh provided them with and killed their children, following their opinions and the lures of the devils,'

Qur’an 6:151قُلْ

«Say» to them

Qur’anتَعَالَوْا۟

«Come» come here, come close

Qur’an 6:151أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ

«I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from.»

meaning, I will inform you about what your Lord has forbidden for you in truth, not guessing or wishful thinking. Rather, it is revelation and an order from Him.

Shirk is Forbidden

Qur’an 6:151أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا

«Join not anything in worship with Him;»

this Allāh has ordained, for He said at the end of the Āyah,

Qur’an 6:151ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

«This He has commanded you that you may understand.»

In the Two Ṣaḥīḥs, it is recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthأَتَانِي جِبْرِيلُ فَبَشَّرَنِي أَنَّهُ مَنْ مَاتَ لَا يُشْرِكُ بِاللهِ شَيْئًا مِنْ أُمَّتِكَ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ، قُلْتُ وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ؟ قَالَ: وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ، قُلْتُ: وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ؟ قَالَ: وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ، قُلْتُ: وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ؟ قَالَ: وَإِنْ زَنَى وَإِنْ سَرَقَ وَإِنْ شَرِبَ الْخَمْرَ

«Jibrīl came to me and conveyed the good news that, "Whoever among your followers dies, worshipping none along with Allāh, will enter Paradise." I said, "Even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse?" He said, "Even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse." I said, "Even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse?" He said, "Even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse." I said, "Even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse?" He said, "Even if he stole or committed illegal sexual intercourse or even if drank alcohol."»^{4Al-Bukhāri no. 1237 and Muslim: 94} Some of the Musnad and Sunan compilers recorded that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Ḥadīthيَقُولُ تَعَالَى: يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ مَا دَعَوْتَنِي وَرَجَوْتَنِي فَإِنِّي أَغْفِرُ لَكَ عَلَى مَا كَانَ مِنْكَ وَلَا أُبَالِي، وَلَوْ أَتَيْتَنِي بِقُرَابِ الْأَرْضِ خَطِيئَةً أَتَيْتُكَ بِقُرَابِهَا مَغْفِرَةً مَا لَمْ تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئًا، وَإِنْ أَخْطَأْتَ حَتَّى تَبْلُغَ خَطَايَاكَ عَنَانَ السَّمَاءِ ثُمَّ اسْتَغْفَرْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ

«Allāh said, 'O Son of Ādam! As long as you supplicate to Me and hope of Me, I will forgive whatever you committed, and it will be easy for Me to do that. And even if you brought the earth's fill of sins to Me, I will bring forth its fill of forgiveness, as long as you do not associate anything or anyone in worship with Me. And even if you err and your errors accumulate until they reach the boundaries of the sky and you then ask Me for forgiveness, I will forgive you.'»^{5Aḥmad 5:172 and Tuḥfat Al-Aḥwadhi from Anas 9:524}

This subject is also mentioned in the Qur'ān, for Allāh said,

Qur’anإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ

«Verily, Allāh forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners (in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He wills, sins other than that.» [4:116]

Muslim recorded a Ḥadīth in the Ṣaḥīḥ that reads,

Ḥadīthمَنْ مَاتَ لَا يُشْرِكُ بِاللَّهِ شَيْئًا دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ

«Whoever dies associating none with Allāh will enter Paradise.»^{6Muslim 1:94}

There are many Āyāt and Ḥadīths on this subject.

The Order for Kindness to Parents

Allāh said next,

Qur’an 6:151وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًا

«be kind and dutiful to your parents;»

meaning, Allāh has commanded and ordered you to be kind to your parents. Allāh said in another Āyah,

Qur’an 17:23وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًا

«And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents.» [17:23]

Allāh often mentions obeying Him and being dutiful to parents together. Allāh said,

Qur’an 31:14–15أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَيْكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ وَإِن جَٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِى مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا وَٱتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

«Give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in this world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.» [31:14-15] Therefore, Allāh ordered children to be dutiful and kind to their parents, even if they were idolators. Allāh also said,

Qur’an 2:83وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَٰقَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ لَا تَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

«And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but Allāh and be dutiful and kind to parents.» [2:83]

There are several Āyāt on this subject. It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs that Ibn Mas'ūd said, "I asked Allāh's Messenger ﷺ about which deed is the best. He said,

Ḥadīthالصَّلَاةُ عَلَى وَقْتِهَا

«The prayer, when it is performed on time.»

I said, 'Then?' He said,

«بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ»

«Being dutiful to parents.»

I asked, 'Then?' He said,

Ḥadīthالْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ

«Jihād in Allāh's cause.»

Ibn Mas'ūd said, "The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said these words to me, and had I asked him for more, he would have said more."^{7Fatḥ Al-Bāri 2:12 and Muslim 1:89}

Killing Children is Forbidden

Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:151وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ

«Kill not your children because of poverty, We shall provide sustenance for you and for them.»

After Allāh commanded kindness to parents and grandparents, He next ordered kindness to children and grandchildren. Allāh said,

Qur’an 6:151وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَٰقٍ

«kill not your children because of poverty,» because the idolators used to kill their children, obeying the lures of the devils. They used to bury their daughters alive for fear of shame, and sometimes kill their sons for fear of poverty. It is recorded in the Two Ṣaḥīḥs that ‘Abdullāh bin Mas‘ūd said, “I asked the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, ‘Which sin is the biggest?’ He said,

Ḥadīthأَنْ تَجْعَلَ لِلَّهِ نِدًّا وَهُوَ خَلَقَكَ