Surah Hud Tafseer

Shu`ayb's Refutation of His People

Allah tells;

قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىَ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي

He said:"O my people! Tell me if I, have a clear evidence from my Lord,

meaning, upon clear guidance in that which I am calling to.

وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا

and He has given me a good sustenance from Himself.

It has been said that he meant the Prophethood.

It has also been said that he meant the lawful provisions.

It seems that the verse carries both meanings.

وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَى مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ

I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you.

Ath-Thawri said,

meaning, `do not forbid you from something and at the same time I contradict my prohibitions in secret behind your backs, doing what I have forbidden.'

This is similar to what Qatadah said concerning Allah's statement,

"He is saying, `I do not forbid you all from something while I do it myself."'

إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلاَّ الاِصْلَحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ

I only desire reform to the best of my power.

This means, "In that which I command and forbid you, I only want to correct your affair as much as I am able."

وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي

And my guidance cannot come,

This means, "In whatever I intend that agrees with the truth."

إِلاَّ بِاللّهِ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ

except from Allah, in Him I put my trust,

This means in all of my affairs.

وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ

and unto Him I repent.

meaning; "I return."

This has been said by Mujahid and others