Tafsir of Saba' 34:6

Surah Saba' (Verse 6)

Translation and Exegesis (Tafsir) based on Mafatih al-Ghayb (Al-Razi):

[... Continuation from previous verses...]

When the state of the denier in the Hereafter was explained, the text now addresses his state in this world: his endeavor is futile.

• For the one who has been granted knowledge is not deceived by denial, and he knows that what was revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) is true and authentic.
• His statement, "It is the Truth" (الحق), implies exclusivity (Hassr): the Truth is nothing other than that (the revelation).
• This contrasts with a situation where two opponents dispute; if their dispute is merely verbal, then what each claims might be considered true in meaning.
• The Almighty's statement: "And guides to the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy" (ويهدى إلى صراط العزيز الحميد) can be interpreted in two ways:
  1. As an explanation of why it is the Truth: because it guides to this specific path.
  2. As an explanation of an additional benefit: that despite being the Truth and a guide (which necessitates acceptance), it also offers the ultimate benefit of reaching God.
• The attributes "The All-Mighty" (العزيز) and "The Praiseworthy" (الحميد) evoke both awe/fear (Raghbah) and hope (Rahbah).
  • Because He is All-Mighty, He possesses the power of vengeance against those who strive in denial.
  • Because He is Praiseworthy, He rewards those who believe and perform righteous deeds.

Addressing a potential objection:

• Objection: Why was the attribute signifying awe/majesty (العزيز) mentioned before the attribute signifying mercy/favor (الحميد), especially when you usually emphasize the precedence of mercy?
• Response: The fact that He is All-Mighty, possessing complete majesty and severe retribution, actually strengthens the aspect of hope (الرغبة). This is because attaining the pleasure of the All-Mighty, Majestic Lord is far more esteemed and honorable than attaining the pleasure of one who lacks such attributes.
• Therefore, Al-'Aziz (The All-Mighty) inspires both fear and desire. Just as one is deterred from denial, one is motivated to affirm the truth (التصديق) in order to attain closeness to the All-Mighty.

Surah Saba' (Verse 7)

< { And those who disbelieve say: "Shall we direct you to a man who informs you that when you have been completely disintegrated, you will indeed be in a new creation?" } >