Surah An-Naml (The Ants): Verse 64
[64] Is He Who begins creation and then repeats it, and who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Is there any god along with Allah? Say, "Bring forth your proof, if you are truthful."
- Connection to Previous Verses: After enumerating the blessings (Ni'am) of this world, the Almighty follows this by mentioning the blessings of the Hereafter, stating: {Is He Who begins creation and then repeats it}. The blessings of the Hereafter, specifically the reward, cannot be complete except through the re-creation (resurrection) following the initial creation and reaching the stage of accountability (Taklīf).
- Inclusion of Sustenance: Since the discussion encompasses all these blessings, and it is known that these blessings are not complete without sustenance (Rizq), He then says: {and who provides for you from the heaven and the earth}.
- Rejection of Shirk: Following this, He states: {Is there any god along with Allah?}, thereby condemning what they are practicing (Shirk).
- Challenge to Proof: He then clarifies their falsehood by saying: {Say, "Bring forth your proof, if you are truthful."} This indicates that they have no proof, and thus, they are invalidated (Mubtilūn). This demonstrates that any claim requires evidence, and it exposes the corruption of mere imitation (Taqlīd).
- Addressing the Denial of Resurrection: If someone asks: How could they be addressed with: {Is He Who begins creation and then repeats it} when they deny the re-creation (Resurrection)?
- The Answer: They acknowledged the initial creation (Ibtidā'). The evidence for re-creation derived from the initial creation is a clear and strong indication. Since the statement was coupled with this apparent evidence, it is as if they had no excuse left for their denial.
- This verse marks the conclusion of the proofs mentioned regarding the perfection of Allah's Almighty Power.
[65] Say, "None in the heavens and the earth knows the Unseen except Allah, and they do not know when they will be resurrected."
[66] Rather, their knowledge has ceased concerning the Hereafter. Rather, they are in doubt about it. Rather, they are blind to it.
Tafsir Points (Verses 65-66):
- Exclusivity of Knowledge of the Unseen: The command is to declare that no one in the heavens or the earth possesses knowledge of the Unseen (al-Ghayb) except Allah.
- Ignorance of Resurrection Time: They do not know the precise time of their resurrection.
- The State of Their Knowledge Regarding the Hereafter:
- {Rather, their knowledge has ceased concerning the Hereafter}: Their knowledge has terminated or fallen short regarding the Hereafter.
- {Rather, they are in doubt about it}: They are wavering and uncertain concerning it.
- {Rather, they are blind to it}: They are completely heedless or blind regarding it. (This progression shows increasing degrees of error: lack of knowledge, doubt, and finally, complete blindness/heedlessness.)
