Tafsir of Sad 38:86

Translation of Mafatih al-Ghayb (Surah Al-An'am, Verse 90)

[Verse 90: Say, "I ask of you no reward for it, except love for [my] relatives."]

Know that Allah, the Exalted, concluded this Surah with this noble conclusion. This is because He, the Exalted, mentioned many paths indicating the necessity of being cautious in seeking religion. Then, at the conclusion, He said: What I call people to must be examined regarding the state of the caller and the nature of the call, so that it becomes clear whether it is true or false.

Regarding the caller (myself): I do not ask you for any wage or wealth for this call. It is apparent that a liar would never cease seeking money. It was also apparent that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was far removed from worldly matters and devoid of desire for them.

Regarding the manner of the call: He said: "And I am not of those who impose burdens [upon themselves or others]."

The commentators have mentioned several interpretations for this phrase. What is most likely intended is that this religion to which I call you does not require numerous, burdensome efforts to know its truthfulness. Rather, it is a religion whose soundness is clearly attested to by sound intellect.

For I call you, firstly, to acknowledge the existence of Allah. Secondly, I call you to purify and sanctify Him from everything unsuitable for Him, which is supported by His saying: "There is nothing like unto Him" and similar verses. Thirdly, I call you to acknowledge that He is described with perfect knowledge, power, wisdom, and mercy. Fourthly, I call you to acknowledge that He is pure from partners and rivals. Fifthly, I call you to refrain from worshipping these idols, which are base inanimate objects, in whose worship there is no benefit, and in turning away from them, no harm. Seventhly, I call you to acknowledge the Resurrection and the Day of Judgment: "That He may recompense those who do evil with what they have done, and recompense those who do good with the best [reward]." (An-Najm: 31) Eighthly, I call you to turn away from the world and incline towards the Hereafter.

These eight principles are the strong, established foundations of the religion of Allah, the Exalted, and the religion of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Sound intellects and initial thoughts bear witness to the truthfulness of these eight principles. Thus, it is established that I am not one who imposes burdens in the Shari'ah to which I call creation. Rather, it is based on a sound intellect and a straight nature, as it testifies to its correctness and majesty, and its distance from falsehood and corruption.

This is what is meant by His saying: "It is not but a reminder to the worlds."

After clarifying these premises, He said: "And you will surely know its news after a while."

The meaning is: If you persist in ignorance and blind imitation, and refuse to accept these clear proofs that We have mentioned, you will know after a time whether you were correct in this turning away or mistaken. Mentioning such a statement after those preceding proofs is the utmost in warning and intimidation. And Allah knows best.