Tafsir of Ad-Dhariyat 51:7-8

Surah Adh-Dhariyat: Verses (7-8)

And the heaven with paths/patterns (Al-Habik)

The First Point: {And the heaven with paths/patterns (Al-Habik)}

There are several interpretations for Al-Habik:

1. Paths/Tracks: It is said to mean paths or tracks.
   • Under this meaning, it could refer to the paths and orbits of the stars, similar to how Mahābik (well-trodden paths) is used.
   • Alternatively, it could refer to the figures/constellations in the sky due to the stars, such as the path of Draco, Scorpio, the Eagle (as mentioned by those who believe in figures/shapes), the Milky Way, and so on. In this case, it means the heaven adorned with the beauty of the stars, similar to His saying: {And the heaven with the Zodiacal Signs (Al-Buruj)} (Al-Buruj: 1).

2. Firmness/Density: It is said that Habik refers to its firm structure (Sifāquhā). The term Hasān al-Habik (good firmness) is used for thick cloth.
   • Under this interpretation, it is like His saying: {And the heaven that returns (Al-Raji') } (At-Tariq: 11), referring to its strength and solidity. This is one of the opinions stated regarding it.

The Second Point: Concerning what the Oath is sworn upon, which is His saying: {Indeed, you are in conflicting speech.}

There are several differing, yet all sound, interpretations regarding this:

1. Conflicting Speech about the Prophet (PBUH): That you (disbelievers) are in conflicting speech regarding Muhammad (PBUH). Sometimes you say he is trustworthy, and other times you say he is a liar. Sometimes you attribute madness to him, and other times you call him a soothsayer, a poet, or a sorcerer.
   • This is plausible, but weak, because there is no need for an oath to confirm this, as they used to say these things without denial requiring such an emphasis.

2. Instability in Belief: {Indeed, you are in conflicting speech} meaning you are not firm in any matter. Whoever is not firm in their speech is not certain in their belief.
   • Under this view, the verse is as if Allah swore by the scattering winds, saying: "Indeed, you are not decisive in your belief; you only display decisiveness due to intense obstinacy."
   • A benefit of this interpretation is that when they told the Prophet (PBUH), "You know you are not truthful in what you say; you are only arguing, and we are incapable of debating you," Allah responded with {By the scattering winds...} meaning, "You are truthful and not obstinate." Then Allah reversed the matter upon them, saying: "Nay, by Allah, you are certain that I am truthful."

3. Contradictory Statements (Internal Contradiction): {Indeed, you are in conflicting speech} meaning contradictory statements, either regarding the Resurrection or Monotheism, or regarding the Prophet (PBUH).
   • Regarding the Resurrection: You say there is no resurrection or life after death, yet you also say, "We found our forefathers upon a way (religion)." If there is no life after death and the deceased has no awareness, what happens to your forefathers if you oppose them? This statement only makes sense for those who believe in punishment after death. If we knew something the deceased disliked, we would show it. Thus, your claim that you do not attribute your forefathers to misguidance after their death is meaningless, especially since you tether your mounts at the graves of the great ones.
   • Regarding Monotheism (Tawhid): You say that the Creator of the heavens and the earth is Allah alone, yet you also say He is the God of gods, then revert to polytheism (Shirk).
   • Regarding the Prophet's (PBUH) Speech: You say he is mad, yet you also say to him, "You overcome us with the power of your argumentation." How can a madman be capable of organized, miraculous speech? And other similar contradictions.

Then Allah Almighty said:

! 7 < { He is turned away from it who is turned away. } > 7 !