Tafsir of Yunus 10:20

Surah Yunus (10): Verse 20

[And they say, "Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Lord?"]

Know that this statement is the fourth type of objection raised by the disbelievers against the Prophet's (PBUH) prophethood.

They argued that the Qur'an, which he brought, is a book composed of various types of speech. They claimed that a book itself cannot be a miracle. They pointed to the books of Moses and Jesus, arguing that those books were not their primary miracles; rather, they had other miracles that attested to their prophethood besides the Book.

Furthermore, some among them claimed they could produce something similar, as Allah informed us they said: {If We willed, We could say the like of this.}

Since this was their stance, it was inevitable that they demanded another sign from him besides the Qur'an to serve as a miracle. Allah recounts this demand by saying: {And they say, "Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Lord?"}

Allah then commanded His Messenger (PBUH) to reply to this question: {Say, "The unseen belongs to Allah. So wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."}

Know that the proper way to establish this response is to argue as follows:

A clear proof has been established that the revelation of the Qur'an to him was an overwhelming and manifest miracle. This is because the Prophet (PBUH) grew up among them, was raised in their midst, and they knew that he had never studied any book nor taken a teacher. For forty years, he was among them, interacting with them, and was never occupied with deep thought or learning. Then, suddenly, this magnificent Qur'an appeared through him.

The appearance of such a noble and lofty book through a person who had none of the usual means of learning (study or teaching) can only be through divine revelation. This is an undeniable proof that the Qur'an is a manifest and overwhelming miracle.

If this is established, then demanding another sign besides the Qur'an is an unnecessary request for proving his prophethood and confirming his message. Such matters (the timing and nature of further signs) are entrusted to the will of Allah. If He wills, He will manifest them; if He wills, He will not. Thus, it falls under the category of the unseen (al-Ghayb).

Therefore, everyone is obligated to wait and see whether Allah will do it or not. However, whether He does it or not, his prophethood is already proven, and his claim to be a messenger is evident. This objective (proving his truthfulness) is not altered by the presence or absence of that additional sign. Thus, this line of reasoning is a clear answer establishing the required proof.

{And when We let the people taste mercy after affliction has touched them, behold, they devise a plot against Our signs. Say, "Allah is swifter in plotting. Indeed, Our messengers record what you plot."}