Tafsir of Fatir 35:42

Surah Fatir (35): Verse 42

Original Context Summary: After refuting their denial of monotheism, the text addresses their subsequent denial and exaggeration in rejecting the Messenger (Muhammad, peace be upon him). They used to swear vehemently that they would believe if a clear sign (Ayah) came to them, claiming they only rejected Muhammad because they believed him to be a liar, not because they denied the concept of prophethood itself. This was an extreme form of denial, similar to someone falsely claiming, "If I knew you had a right over me, I would certainly pay it and more," merely to show the claimant is demanding falsehood.

Translation:

This refers to their extreme oath-taking.

This was their boast: "If a messenger had come to us, we would have been the most guided of all nations."

Before the message, they were disbelievers in God; after the message, they became disbelievers in God and His Messenger. Furthermore, before the message, they were not subject to punishment, but they became so afterward.

A Note on Interpretation: Some commentators suggest that the Meccans used to curse the Jews and Christians for rejecting their messengers, saying, "If a messenger came to us, we would obey and follow him."

However, this presents a problem: The polytheists generally denied prophethood and resurrection altogether. How could they acknowledge that Jews and Christians rejected their messengers? How would they know what the Jews and Christians truly received or rejected without the guidance of God's Book or the Prophet's explanation?

Therefore, the intended meaning is what we previously stated: They claimed, "We would not reject a messenger if one came to us; we only reject Muhammad because we believe he is a liar. If his prophethood were proven true, we would believe."

Regarding the phrase "the most guided of nations" (أهدى الأمم):

There are two interpretations for the word "most guided" (أهدى):

1. Interpretation 1: It means "more guided than we currently are." In this context, the phrase "of nations" (من إحدى الأمم) refers to the Prophets. This is supported by the subsequent verse: "But when a warner came to them... it only increased their aversion," implying they became more misguided than they were when they boasted of being guided.
2. Interpretation 2: It means "more guided than any one nation" (i.e., more guided than any specific nation that received a messenger). This is like saying, "Zayd is superior to Amr."

Regarding the word "nations" (الأمم), there are also two possibilities:

1. General Meaning: It refers to all nations, implying they would be the most guided of any nation, which serves as a subtle rebuke.
2. Specific Reference: It refers to the known nations (the community of Muhammad, Moses, Jesus, and those contemporary to them).