Tafsir of Saba' 34:47

Surah Saba' (34): Verse 47

Original Context Summary: After establishing that the Prophet (PBUH) is not insane (as a prerequisite for his prophethood), the text presents another argument proving his truthfulness: Enduring severe hardship without immediate worldly gain implies a belief in a future reward. Since the Prophet faces immediate peril from everyone yet seeks no worldly compensation, his actions must be for the Hereafter. A liar regarding the Hereafter would face punishment, not reward; thus, if he were a liar, he would be insane. Since he is not insane, he is not a liar, meaning he is a truthful Prophet.

The phrase, "And He is over all things a Witness" (referring to God, implied from the preceding context), further confirms the prophethood. Prophethood is established through a claim supported by evidence. The claimant asserts prophethood, and God manifests a miracle as proof. Belief in action suffices for belief in word, similar to a messenger sent by a king. If a messenger tells a people, "I am sent by this King," and the King is present, the people are obligated to accept him. If the messenger then asks the King, "If I am your messenger, say so," and the King confirms it, there remains no doubt. Similarly, if the messenger asks the King to clothe him in his robe, and the King does so immediately, people are certain of his message. The same applies to prophets: when they tell their people, "We are messengers of God," and then ask God, "If we are your messengers, make these stones speak or resurrect this dead person," God's action confirms their truthfulness.

Verse 47 Translation:

{ Say, "Indeed, my Lord casts forth the truth; [He is] Knower of the unseen." }

Then the Almighty said: { Say, "Indeed, my Lord casts forth the truth, Knower of the unseen." }