Tafsir of Ash-Shu`ara' 26:210-213

Surah Ash-Shu'ara: (210 - 213)

And it has not descended with it...

Know that when the Almighty established the truthfulness of Muhammad (peace be upon him) by presenting the Qur'an as a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds, this truth was evident due to its ultimate eloquence, and because it contained the stories of past peoples without any discrepancy, even though the Prophet (PBUH) was not engaged in learning or acquiring knowledge.

The disbelievers used to say: Why is it not possible that this is from the dictation of the Jinn and devils, like what descends upon soothsayers?

Allah the Exalted answered them by stating that this is not easy for the devils because they are repelled by shooting stars (meteors) and barred from listening to the speech of the inhabitants of the heavens.

Someone might object: Knowledge that the devils are prevented from this can only be obtained through the report of the truthful Prophet. If we establish the truthfulness of Muhammad (PBUH) through the eloquence of the Qur'an and his foretelling of the unseen, and if the eloquence and foretelling of the unseen can only be miraculous if it is established that the devils are prevented from it, then this leads to a circular argument, which is invalid.

The Answer to the Objection: We do not concede that knowledge of the devils being prevented from this can only be derived from the Prophet's saying. This is because we know by necessity that concern for the truthful person is stronger than concern for the enemy. We also know by necessity that Muhammad (PBUH) used to curse the devils and command people to curse them. If this unseen knowledge were obtained from the dictation of the devils, the disbelievers would be more entitled to obtain such knowledge, and their ability to do so would be more likely. Since this is not the case, we know that the devils are prevented from this and are barred from knowing the unseen matters.

Then, after mentioning this answer, the Almighty began by addressing the Messenger (PBUH) directly, saying: {So do not invoke with Allah another god.} (26:213)

In reality, this is an address to others, because it is the way of the wise person, when intending to emphasize a message to others, to address the leaders outwardly, even if the intended recipients are the followers. Furthermore, Allah the Exalted intended that what follows be appropriate for this address, and for this reason, He singled him out for the address.

{And warn your close relatives.} (26:214)

{And lower your wing to those who follow you of the believers.} (26:215)

{But if they disobey you, then say, "Indeed, I am free from what you do."} (26:216)

{And rely upon the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful,} (26:217)

{Who sees you when you stand,} (26:218)

{And your turning among those who prostrate.} (26:219)

{Indeed, it is He who is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.} (26:220)