Al-Furqan: (77) Say, "My Lord would not care about you..."

After explaining the attributes of the pious and the reward awaiting them, the Almighty commanded His Messenger to say:

Say, "My Lord would not care about you were it not for your supplication [to Him]."

This indicates that the Almighty is self-sufficient (Ghani) and does not need their worship. Rather, He obligated them so that they might benefit from their obedience. In this verse, there are several issues:

• Al-Khalil said: "What do I care about so-and-so?" means, "What do I do with him?" as if he considers him insignificant and contemptible.
• Abu 'Ubaydah said: "What do I care about him?" means his existence and non-existence are equal to me.
• Al-Zajjaj said: It means, "You have no weight (Wazn) with your Lord." The root word al-'ib'u (العبء) in the language means "weight" or "burden."
• Abu 'Amr ibn al-'Ala' said: "My Lord pays you no mind."

There are two opinions regarding the word مَا (Mā):

1. It implies the meaning of an interrogative particle (a question), and it is in the accusative case, representing the verbal noun (Masdar). It is as if the meaning is: "What weight would My Lord give you were it not for your supplication?"
2. It is a negative particle (Nāfiyah).

Two interpretations are mentioned for this phrase:

1. The supplication is directed to them (God supplicating them): Meaning, "Were it not for His calling you to the religion and obedience." In this case, the Du'ā' (supplication) is a verbal noun (Masdar) added to the object (the one being called).
2. The supplication is directed from them (them supplicating God): In this case, several meanings are mentioned:
   • It means: "Were it not for your faith (Iman)."
   • It means: "Were it not for your worship ('Ibadah)."
   • It means: "Were it not for your calling upon Him in distress," like His saying: And when they ride on the ships, they call upon their Lord... (Al-'Ankabut: 65).
   • It means: "Were it not for your thanksgiving (Shukr) to Him for His favors," based on His saying: What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful... (An-Nisa': 147).
   • It means: "I did not create you, nor do I have any need of you, except that you ask Me so that I may give you, and seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive you."

As for the statement: then indeed you have denied.

The meaning is: When I inform you that My decree is that I do not regard My servants except through their worship of Me, you have contradicted My decree by your denial. Consequently, the effect of your denial—the punishment of the Hereafter—will be incumbent upon you.

This is analogous to a king saying to a disobedient subject: "It is My custom to be good to those who obey Me, yet you have disobeyed. Therefore, you will see what will befall you because of your disobedience."

If it is asked: To whom is this address directed? We reply: It is directed to people in general, among whom are believers who worship and deniers who disobey. They are addressed concerning the characteristics found in their kind: worship and denial.

It has been recited: then indeed the disbelievers have denied (Faqad kadhdhaba al-kāfirūn).

So it will be a binding consequence (lazāman).

It has also been recited with the fatḥa on the final letter (لَزَامًا - lazāman) meaning "binding" or "firmly established," like permanence and steadfastness. The preferred view is that the implied subject (it/the punishment) is left unstated after it has been established that it is what was threatened, to allow for ambiguity and encompass what cannot be fully described.

This punishment is said to be in the Hereafter, though Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him) said it was the Day of Badr. And Allah knows best.

The exegesis of this Surah is completed, and praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. And peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and upon his family and all his companions.