{ 81 } Afabi-hadha al-hadithi antum mudhinun

(Do you then)—meaning, are you turning toward—(with this discourse)—the discourse whose majestic attributes I have mentioned, which necessitate regarding it with greatness, honoring it, and believing in what it contains and to which it guides, namely the Noble Quran—(are you) (mudhinun)—(negligent of it, like one who practices idhan in a matter, meaning he softens his stance toward it and does not stand firm, out of negligence toward it). The origin of al-idhan, as it is said, is the act of making leather or similar items coated with some form of oil. Since this is a physical softening, it is used metaphorically for abstract softness, or it is borrowed for it; for this reason, al-mudarat (conciliatory behavior) is called mudahanah (flattery/deceit), a usage which is well-known and has, due to its prominence, become a conventional truth (haqiqah 'urfiyyah). It is used metaphorically here to mean negligence, for one who is negligent of a matter does not stand firm regarding it.

Ibn Abbas and al-Zajjaj said: (Mudhinun) means "deniers," and its interpretation as such is because denial is a branch of negligence. Mujahid said it means "hypocrites" in confirming it—saying to the believers "we believe in it," but when you are alone with your brethren, saying "we are with you." On this view, the address is to the hypocrites, but what we have previously stated is more appropriate, as the address is to the disbelievers, as the context requires.

It is also permitted that "this discourse" refers to what they had discussed previously in His (Glorified is He) statement: “And they used to say, ‘When we die and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected? Or our forefathers?’” The discourse would then be a return to that topic after refuting it, as if it were said: "Are you being deceitful regarding this discourse you engage in—denying the Resurrection—agreeing with your companions while knowing the opposite, or are you certain of it and determined to persist in it?" It is not hidden that this is far-fetched, and it contradicts the cause of revelation, as you shall soon know, if Allah Almighty wills.

(And you make your provision)—meaning, your gratitude—