Tafsir of Al-`Ankabut 29:17

Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider): Verse 17

[17] Say: "Surely, what you worship besides Allah are but idols. You invent a lie. Indeed, those whom you worship besides Allah do not possess for you provision. So seek provision from Allah and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."

This verse presents the most eloquent refutation of their [polytheists'] doctrine. Worship is only directed toward one of four things:

1. Intrinsic Worthiness: Because the object is inherently deserving of worship, like a slave serving a master who purchased him, regardless of whether the master provides food or denies sleep.
2. Immediate Benefit: Like someone serving another to receive an immediate benefit, such as an employee working for wages.
3. Future Benefit: Like someone serving another in anticipation of a future reward.
4. Fear: Because one fears harm from that entity.

Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said: "Surely, what you worship besides Allah are but idols (وثناً)." This points out that idols do not deserve worship in themselves, as they possess no inherent honor.

[17] "Indeed, those whom you worship besides Allah do not possess for you provision (رزقاً)..."

This part indicates the absence of benefit in both the present and the future.

Benefit (Naf') is either in existence (creation) or in perpetuation (sustenance).

• They [the idols] provide no benefit in existence, because their very existence is dependent on you—you create and carve them.
• They provide no benefit in perpetuation, because that depends on provision (Rizq), which they do not control.

Then, the verse clarifies that all these matters originate from Allah: "...So seek provision from Allah..."

• The mention of "Allah" indicates that He alone deserves worship intrinsically.
• The mention of "provision (الرزق)" indicates that benefit, both immediate and future, comes from Him.

In this verse, there are several important points (Masā'il):

Issue 1: The Use of Indefinite vs. Definite Nouns for Rizq (Provision)

The verse states: "...do not possess for you provision (رزقاً)" (indefinite), but then says: "...So seek provision (الرزق)" (definite) from Allah. What is the wisdom behind this change?

1. Al-Zamakhshari's View:
   • The indefinite form in negation (لا يملكون لكم رزقاً) means they possess no provision whatsoever (negating the genus).
   • The definite form in affirmation (الرزق) when referring to Allah means all provision belongs to Him, so seek it from Him.

2. Another View:
   • Provision from Allah is known and established by divine decree (as stated in Surah Hud: 6, "And there is no creature on the earth except that upon Allah is its provision").
   • Provision from the idols is unknown (unverified). Therefore, He said, "They do not possess for you provision" (because it is not known to exist), but He said, "Seek provision from Allah" (referring to the promised and established provision).

"...and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."

• "...and worship Him (واعبدوه)": Worship Him because He is intrinsically deserving of worship.
• "...and be grateful to Him (واشكروا له)": Be grateful to Him because He is the source of all prior blessings (creation) and continuous blessings (provision).
• "...To Him you will be returned (وإليه ترجعون)": Worship Him because He is the ultimate destination from whom good is expected, and no one else.

[18] "But if you deny, then nations before you have also denied. And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey [the message] clearly."