Al-Nisa (4): (54 - 55) Am Yahsuduna an-Nas...

There are several issues discussed here:

The particle أَمْ (Am) here is munqati'ah (disjunctive/a break), meaning the sense is: "Nay, do they envy the people?" (i.e., it introduces a new, strong question or assertion).

There are two opinions regarding the intended meaning of الناس (an-Nās):

1. The First Opinion (Ibn Abbas and the Majority): It refers to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is permissible to use the plural form for a singular person because he possessed such abundant virtues that they would normally be found only in a great assembly. This is similar to saying, "So-and-so is a nation unto himself" (i.e., he stands in the place of a nation), as stated in the verse: {Indeed, Abraham was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah} (An-Nahl: 120).
2. The Second Opinion: It refers to the Messenger (PBUH) and those with him—the believers. Those who hold this view argue that since the word an-Nās is plural, it is more appropriate to interpret it as a plural group rather than a single person.

Note: The reason for using the term an-Nās (People) to refer to a specific group is that the ultimate purpose of creation is the performance of servitude, as Allah states: {And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me} (Adh-Dhariyat: 56). Since those who truly fulfill this purpose are Muhammad (PBUH) and those who follow his religion, they are, in a sense, like all mankind. Therefore, it is appropriate to use the term an-Nās to specifically designate them.

There are two opinions regarding the specific grace (Faḍl) that caused the envy:

1. The First Opinion: It is prophethood and the honor resulting from it, both in religion and in worldly affairs.
2. The Second Opinion: They envied him because he had nine wives.

Analysis: Envy only arises in the presence of virtue. The more complete and perfect a person's virtue, the greater the envy directed toward them. Prophethood is undeniably the greatest station in religion, and Allah granted it to Muhammad (PBUH). Furthermore, Allah made his state stronger daily, his power greater, and his supporters more numerous—all factors that necessitate intense envy.

As for the number of wives, this is a trivial matter compared to the virtues mentioned above, so it cannot be the sole interpretation of this Faḍl. However, if Faḍl is taken as a name encompassing all the blessings Allah bestowed upon him, then the wives are included. But restricting the meaning solely to the wives is far-fetched.

Rebuttal/Context: After establishing that the abundance of Allah's favors upon him caused the envy of these Jews, Allah addresses this by saying: {Or do they envy mankind for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the family of Abraham the Book and Wisdom and We gave them a great kingdom} (An-Nisa: 54).

The meaning is: Among the descendants of Abraham, there were many who combined prophethood and kingship. You (Jews) did not marvel at this or envy them; so why do you marvel at the state of Muhammad (PBUH) and envy him?

Explanation of the Bounty to Abraham's Family:

• The Book (الكتاب): Refers to the outward aspects of the Law (Shari'ah).
• Wisdom (الحكمة): Refers to the secrets of reality (haqiqah), which constitute the perfection of knowledge.
• A Great Kingdom (ملكاً عظيماً): Refers to the perfection of power.

True perfections are nothing but knowledge and power. This statement serves as a reminder that Allah granted them the utmost perfections suitable for human beings. Since this was not considered strange or unlikely for them (Abraham's family), it should not be considered strange for Muhammad (PBUH).

Alternative View (Regarding Wives): It is also said that since they found his nine wives excessive, they were told: How can you find nine excessive when David had one hundred wives, and Solomon had three hundred (wives) plus seven hundred concubines (as a dowry/possession)?

Then Allah says: {And of them are those who believe therein, and of them are those who turn away from it. And sufficient is Hellfire as a blazing Fire} (An-Nisa: 55).

There is a difference of opinion regarding the meaning of به (bihi - therein/by it):

1. Some said: It refers to Muhammad (PBUH). Meaning: Among these people (the Jews/People of the Book) who received a share of the Book, some believed in him, while others remained in disbelief and denial.
2. Others said: It refers to the previous Prophets (PBUH). Meaning: Among those previous Prophets, despite the prophethood and kingship bestowed upon them, the custom of their nations was that some believed in the Prophet, and some remained in disbelief. Therefore, O Muhammad, do not be astonished by the conduct of these people, for the state of all nations toward all Prophets was like this. This is a consolation from Allah so that you may have greater patience regarding what you suffer from them.

Then Allah says: {وكفى بجهنم سعيرا} (Wa kafā bi-jahannama sa'īrā): Meaning, Hellfire is sufficient in punishing these disbelievers, both past and present. سعيرا (Sa'īran) means fuel or blazing fire; it is said, awqadtu an-nār and as'artuhā with the same meaning.