An-Naml (The Ants): (59) Say, "Praise be to Allah..."

There are two interpretations regarding this verse:

1. It is connected to the preceding narratives. The meaning is: Praise be to Allah for the destruction of those who were punished, and peace be upon His chosen servants whom He sent and saved.
2. It is a new beginning (a mubtada'). Since Allah mentioned the conditions of the Prophets (peace be upon them), and Muhammad (PBUH) differs from those before him regarding the matter of punishment (as the punishment of complete annihilation was lifted from his people), Allah commanded him to thank his Lord for the specific favors granted to him, and to send peace upon the Prophets (peace be upon them) who patiently endured the hardships of prophethood.

As for His saying: {Allah is better, or what they associate [with Him]?}

This is a reprimand and mockery directed at the polytheists regarding their state. They preferred the worship of idols over the worship of Allah Almighty. A rational person only prefers one thing over another due to superior benefit or advantage. Thus, this statement was made to alert them to the extreme extent of their misguidance and ignorance.

It was recited with both the 'ya' (يشركون) and the 'ta' (تشركون). It is reported from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that when he recited it, he would say: "Rather, Allah is better, more enduring, more majestic, and more noble."

Know that Allah, the Exalted, subsequently discussed several sections:

The First Section: Concerning the refutation of idol worshippers. The core of this section is demonstrating that Allah Almighty is the Creator of the origins and branches of all blessings. How, then, can one worship that which offers absolutely no benefit? Following this, Allah Almighty mentioned several categories:

The First Category: That which relates to the heavens.

{Is He who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you from the sky water, and We caused to grow thereby gardens of delight whose trees you could not have grown? Is there a god along with Allah? Nay, but they are a people who deviate [by ascribing equals to Him].}