Surah Al Ahqaf Tafseer

قُلْ

Say,

meaning, to these idolators who worship others besides Allah.

أَرَأَيْتُم مَّا تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَرُونِي مَاذَا خَلَقُوا مِنَ الاَْرْضِ

Think you about all that you invoke besides Allah Show me what they have created of the earth?

meaning, `show me the place that they have independently created from the earth.'

أَمْ لَهُمْ شِرْكٌ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ

Or have they a share in the heavens?

which means that they are not partners in anything in the heavens, nor on earth. They do not own even the thin membrane covering a date's pit. The dominion and control only belong to Allah, Exalted is He. `How then would you worship others or join them as partners with Him? Who guided you to that? Who called you to that? Did He command you to do it, or is it something that you suggested yourselves?'

Thus, He says,

اِيْتُونِي بِكِتَابٍ مِّن قَبْلِ هَذَا

Bring me a scripture prior to this?

meaning, `bring a book from among the Books of Allah that have been revealed to the Prophets, that commands you to worship these idols.'

أَوْ أَثَارَةٍ مِّنْ عِلْمٍ

or some trace of knowledge,

meaning, `some clear evidence justifying this way you have chosen.'

إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ

if you are truthful!

meaning, `you have absolutely no evidence for that -- neither textual (from revelation) nor rational.'

For this reason, some recited it;

أَوْ أَثَرَةٍ مِنْ عِلْمٍ

"or something inherited from knowledge."

meaning, `or true knowledge that you have inherited from anyone before you.'

This is similar to Mujahid's statement when he said,

أَوْ أَثَارَةٍ مِّنْ عِلْمٍ

(or some trace of knowledge).

"Or anyone who has inherited any knowledge."

Allah then says,

وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّن يَدْعُو مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَن لاَّ يَسْتَجِيبُ لَهُ إِلَى يَومِ الْقِيَامَةِ

وَهُمْ عَن دُعَايِهِمْ غَافِلُونَ