Tafsir of Saba' 34:34-35

Surah Saba' (34:34-35)

(34) And We did not send a warner to any town except that its affluent ones said:

This verse serves as consolation for the heart of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and clarification that the persecution of righteous Prophets is not a novel occurrence; rather, it is a custom that has transpired before.

The saying is attributed specifically to the affluent ones (المترفين), even though others also uttered the statement: "Indeed, we are disbelievers in what you have been sent with." This is because the wealthy, luxurious ones are the originators of this saying.

Do you not see that Allah mentions concerning those who were oppressed (the weak) that they said to the arrogant ones: "If it were not for you, we would surely have been believers"? Then, they used the abundance of wealth and children as proof that they were correct in that assertion, saying:

(35) "We are more abundant in wealth and children, and we will not be punished."

• "We are more abundant in wealth and children": Meaning, this is due to our adherence to our religion.
• "And we will not be punished": Meaning, in the Hereafter.

It is as if they were saying: "Our condition in the immediate future (this world) is better than your condition. As for the Hereafter, we will not be punished," either because they denied punishment altogether or because they believed their condition would also be good in the Hereafter, reasoning by analogy (from their good condition in this world).

(34) Say, "Indeed, my Lord extends provision to whom He wills and restricts [it], but most of the people do not know."