Tafsir of Saba' 34:42

Surah Saba' (34): Verse 42

"So today, none of you will possess..." (The verse continues in the original text, but the translation focuses on the points raised in the exegesis.)

The First Issue: To Whom is the Address "{Some of you}" Directed?

There are several possibilities regarding the addressee of the phrase:

1. The Angels: This is suggested because the preceding verse (Qur'an 34:40) addresses the idols: "Are these the ones who used to worship you?"
   • This interpretation serves as a severe reprimand (tanqīl) to the disbelievers, showing them that what they worshipped neither benefits nor harms.
   • This is supported by verses like: "They possess no intercession, except for one who has taken a covenant with the Most Merciful" (Qur'an 19:87), and "They do not intercede except for those with whom He is pleased" (Qur'an 21:28).
   • Furthermore, the subsequent statement, "And We will say to those who wronged, 'Taste...'" uses the singular form (for the command to taste), implying the addressees are distinct from the ones being addressed initially. If the disbelievers were the primary audience, the command would likely be plural ("Taste!").

2. The Angels and the Jinn: It is possible the address includes both angels and jinn: "None of you [angels and jinn] will possess [power] for another." If they cannot possess power for themselves, they certainly cannot possess it for others.

3. The Disbelievers Themselves: The mention of "Today" indicates their presence.
   • In this case, the subsequent phrase, "And We will say to those who wronged," is used for emphasis, clarifying their state of wrongdoing and the reason for their punishment.
   • If the verse had simply said, "Taste My punishment, the Fire," it would have sufficed. However, mentioning their past actions (wrongdoing, obstinacy, sin, and corruption) causes them greater anguish and regret every time they hear it described.

(Note: The possibility that the angels are addressed, but the disbelievers are included in the meaning of "some of you for others" (i.e., angels speaking to disbelievers) is also mentioned, drawing an analogy to how one might address a single person present who shares responsibility for something said by a group.)

The Second Issue: The Meaning of Mentioning "Benefit" (nafan) and "Harm" (ḍurr)

Why mention the inability to cause harm (ḍurr), when even if they could cause harm, it wouldn't benefit the disbelievers?

• Answer: Worship is often performed to avert the harm of the worshipped entity (e.g., serving a tyrant out of fear of his evil). By stating that the false deities possess neither benefit nor harm, the text negates the very basis upon which they were worshipped—the fear of their potential negative consequences.

The Third Issue: The Difference in Phrasing Regarding the Fire

Why does this verse say: "the Fire which you used to deny" (al-lati kuntum biha tukadhdhibūn), while Surah As-Sajdah says: "the punishment of the Fire which you used to [deny]" (ʿadhāb an-nār alladhī kuntum bihi)?

• Difference in Context:
  • In As-Sajdah (32:20): They are already in the Fire. The context implies they are being shown the eternal nature of the punishment they denied. They had claimed, "The Fire will not touch us except for a few numbered days" (Qur'an 2:80). Thus, they are told: "Taste the eternal punishment that you denied."
  • In Saba' (34:42): This occurs immediately after the Resurrection and questioning. They are seeing the Fire for the first time (as a consequence of the judgment). Therefore, they are told: "This is the Fire which you used to deny."

"And when Our clear verses are recited to them, they say, 'This is nothing but a man who intends to turn you away from that which your fathers used to worship.' And they say, 'This is nothing but a fabricated lie.' And those who disbelieve say, concerning the truth when it comes to them, 'This is nothing but plain magic.'"