Tafsir of An-Nahl 16:34

"So the evils of what they did struck them" (فأصابهم سيئات ما عملوا): that is, the retributions for their evil deeds. This follows the method of using the name of the cause for the effect, to signal its enormity. It has been said that the speech contains an elliptical addition (i.e., the retribution for the evils), but this has been countered by noting that it implies they possessed deeds that were not evil—a position some have committed to, citing examples such as the maintaining of kinship ties. It is not hidden, however, that the meaning is not one of specification. The impetus for committing to one of these two approaches is that the apparent wording indicates that what struck them is an evil, whereas it is not [inherently] an evil.

It is possible to dispense with such measures, as mentioned, by regarding what the apparent wording indicates as a form of mushakalah (correspondence in wording), as in the Almighty’s saying: "And the retribution for an evil deed is an evil one like it" (42:40), as stated in al-Kashshaf.

"And it surrounded them" (وحاق بهم): meaning it encompassed them. The original meaning of al-hiq is encompassing absolutely, then it was restricted in usage to the encompassing of evil. Thus, one does not say, "Blessings encompassed him," but rather, "The calamity." This is more eloquent and grievous than "struck them."

"That which they used to mock" (ما كانوا به يستهزؤن): that is, of the torment. It has been said that ma (that which) is a relative pronoun denoting the torment; in this reading, there is no omission in the speech nor any commitment to metaphor in the way previously mentioned. It has also been said that ma is an infinitive particle, and the pronoun in bihi (with it/him) refers to the Messenger, peace be upon him, even if he was not previously mentioned. The intended meaning is: the retribution for their mocking of the Messenger, peace be upon him, encompassed them. Or, it may be a general relative pronoun referring to the Messenger and others, with the pronoun bihi referring back to it, and the meaning remains centered on retribution. The weakness in this is apparent. In any case, bihi is linked to "mocking" (yastahzi’un), and it was brought forward for the sake of the rhythmic ending (fasila).

Furthermore, the Almighty's saying, "Do they await...?" (16:35), according to al-Kashf, is a return to enumerating the obstinacy and excess in corruption they persist in, and that they do not desist from it, just as their predecessors did, until the Day of Summoning. What occurred in the meantime regarding the conditions of their adversaries serves to increase their frustration, rebuke, and loss. In this is an indication that the proof has been completed, and that he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, performed what was required of him in clear delivery.

The Almighty’s saying, "So it struck them," is a conjunction linked to "those before them did" (16:26). It is a logical consequence, for the meaning is: likewise, denial and polytheism were the actions of their predecessors, and what struck them, struck them. In this is a warning against what these people have done, and a reminder of His, the Almighty’s, saying: "Those before them plotted" (16:26). The soundness of this sequence is evident, for denial and polytheism were the causes for the evils striking those before them.

His, the Almighty’s, saying, "And Allah did not wrong them," is an interruption placed exactly where it belongs. To make this reference pertain to the implication derived from the Almighty’s saying, "Do they await?"—meaning: "Likewise were those before them who denied, the proof was established against them while they were waiting, so there struck them that which they were waiting for"—is sound and excellent. However, reliance upon the first interpretation is better, as it is closer in origin and evidence.

Thus, this is a summary encompassing the essence of how they responded to those blessings and clear signs. Embedded within it is the consolation of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the glad tidings of turning the tables on those who lay in wait for him and his companions, peace be upon him. It concludes with that which indicates that they have been silenced and have argued with the final argument of one who is defeated; he turns [to escape] only to find himself struck down and broken, which is what is contained in the Almighty's saying...