Tafsir of Ar-Ra'd 13:37

Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:37)

...And thus We have sent it down as a ruling in Arabic.

Issue 1: The Analogy of Revelation

It is understood that Allah (Exalted is He) compares the revelation of this Arabic ruling (the Qur'an) to what was revealed previously to the former Prophets. That is, just as We sent down Books to the Prophets in their own languages, so too have We sent down the Qur'an to you.

The pronoun in "We sent it down" (أنزلناه) refers back to the "what" (ما) in the preceding verse, "They rejoice in what has been revealed to you" (referring to the Qur'an).

Issue 2: The Meaning of "A Ruling in Arabic" (حكما عربيا)

There are several interpretations for this phrase:

1. The First View: It means an Arabic wisdom (ruling) translated into the tongue of the Arabs.
2. The Second View: The Qur'an encompasses all categories of religious obligations (takālīf). Since ruling (hukm) is only possible through the Qur'an, and the Qur'an is the cause of the ruling, the ruling itself is attributed to the Qur'an as a form of hyperbole (exaggeration).
3. The Third View: Allah has ruled over all accountable persons (mukallafīn) that they must accept and act upon the Qur'an. Since He has decreed the obligation of its acceptance upon creation, He designated it as the ruling itself.

Note that "A ruling in Arabic" (حكما عربيا) is in the accusative case (nasb) indicating a circumstantial adverb (ḥāl). The meaning is: We sent it down while it was a ruling in Arabic.

Issue 3: The Mu'tazilite Argument for the Createdness of the Qur'an

The Mu'tazilites argue that this verse indicates the createdness (ḥudūth) of the Qur'an for several reasons:

1. Allah described it as "sent down" (munzal), which is only appropriate for something created (muḥdath).
2. He described it as "Arabic" (ʿarabiyyan). That which is Arabic is that which came into existence through the designation and convention of the Arabs, and anything established that way must be created.
3. The verse indicates that it became an Arabic ruling because Allah made it so and described it with this attribute. Everything that is described in this manner is created.

The Response: All these points only prove that the composite structure of letters and sounds is created, which is not disputed (by the orthodox scholars). Allah knows best.

Issue 4: Context and Warning

It is narrated that the polytheists were calling the Prophet (PBUH) to follow the religion of his forefathers. Allah warned him against following them in those doctrines, such as praying toward the former Qibla after Allah had changed it for him.

Ibn Abbas said that the address is to the Prophet (PBUH), but the intent is for his Ummah. Another view is that the purpose is to urge the Messenger (PBUH) to uphold the right of prophethood and warn him against deviating from it. This also inherently includes a warning for all accountable people, because if someone of such high status receives this warning, those of lesser status are even more deserving and primary recipients of it.

< And verily, We sent messengers before you, and appointed for them wives and offspring. And it was not for any messenger to bring a sign except by the permission of Allah. For every term there is a decree. >

< Allah blots out what He wills and establishes [what He wills]; and with Him is the Mother of the Book [Al-Lawh Al-Mahfūẓ]. >