Az-Zumar: (46) Say, "O Allah, Creator..."

(Say, "O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, You will judge between Your servants concerning that over which they used to differ.")

This is a command to supplicate and seek refuge with Allah the Exalted, due to what the Prophet (peace be upon him) endured regarding the matter of their invitation, and the intensity he suffered from their stubbornness and obstinacy. Verily, He—Exalted is He—is the One capable of all things, and the Knower of all circumstances in their entirety. The intent behind this command is to clarify their state, threaten them, console His most noble beloved (may the blessings of Allah be upon him), and to affirm that his diligence and effort are known and appreciated by Him—Mighty and Majestic is He. It also serves to teach the servants to seek refuge with Allah and to supplicate using His greatest names.

It is recorded that when Ar-Rabi’ ibn Khuthaym was asked about the killing of Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him), he sighed and recited this verse. Thus, if something is mentioned to you regarding what transpired between the Companions, say: "O Allah, Creator of the heavens..." and so on, for that is among the etiquettes that should be preserved.

The placement of the subject (the pronoun "You") before the predicate in "You will judge" (anta tahkumu) signifies restriction—meaning: You alone judge between the servants regarding that in which they persistently differed, with a judgment to which every stubborn opposer submits and to which every arrogant rebel yields, namely, the punishment of this world or the hereafter. The intent behind judging between the servants is the judgment between him (peace and blessings be upon him) and these disbelievers.