Tafsir of Saba' 34:44-45

Surah Saba: Verses 44–45

[44] And We had not given them any previous scriptures to study, nor had We sent to them before you any warner.

This confirms their persistent habit of denial. When clear verses are recited to them, they say: "This man is a liar," and their claim is that the message is a "fabricated lie" (إفك مفترى) without any proof, or a scripture revealed to them, or a messenger sent to them.

The clear verses (signs) can only be refuted by:

1. Rational proofs (البراهين العقلية): Which they have not presented.
2. Contradictions (التقلبات): But they have no scripture or messenger other than you (the Prophet).
3. Reliable transmission (النقل المعتبر): Which consists of verses from God's Book or the reports of God's Messenger.

[45] And those before them denied, and these have not attained a tenth of what We had given them.

The commentators say this means: These polytheists have not reached even a tenth of the power, blessings, and longevity granted to previous nations. Then God seized those nations, and their strength did not benefit them. So, what must be the state of these weak ones?

Al-Razi's Alternative Interpretation:

I believe this verse can bear another meaning: It could mean that those who came before (like 'Ad and Thamud) did not attain a tenth of the clarity of proof and evidence (البيان والبرهان) granted to the Ummah of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

This is because:

• The Book of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the most complete and clearest of all scriptures.
• Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the best and most eloquent of all messengers.
• His proof is the most comprehensive, and his explanation the most healing.

When previous nations denied the scriptures and messengers sent to them, they were rebuked. How could they not be rebuked when they denied the most eloquent of messengers and the clearest of paths?

This interpretation is supported by the preceding verse: "And We had not given them any previous scriptures to study" (referring to scriptures other than the Qur'an). Since the giving (الإيتاء) mentioned in the first part of the verse refers to the Book, it is more appropriate to interpret the giving (الإيتاء) in the second part of the verse as referring to the giving of the Book (i.e., the Qur'an's superior evidence).

[46] Say, "I advise you only of one thing: that you stand up for God, [standing] in pairs and individually, and then reflect. There is no madness in your companion. He is only a warner to you before a severe punishment."