Surah At-Tur (The Mount): Verse 36

{أَمْ خُلِقُوا السَّمَاوَاتِ...} (Or were they created, the heavens...)

There are several interpretations regarding the meaning of this verse:

1. The view adopted by Al-Zamakhshari: It means they lack certainty that they themselves created the heavens and the earth. This aligns with the verse: "And if you ask them, 'Who created the heavens and the earth?' they will surely say, 'Allah'" (Luqman: 25). That is, they acknowledge that Allah is the Creator, not themselves.

2. The intended meaning is a denial of God's Oneness (Tawhid): The structure implies: "It is not as they claim; they did not create them, but rather, they lack certainty regarding the Oneness of God."

3. A general denial of belief: It means they do not believe in anything at all, without specifying an object for their disbelief. This is similar to saying, "So-and-so is not a believer" or "So-and-so is not an unbeliever," used to describe their state without intending a specific object. Similarly, saying, "So-and-so harms" or "So-and-so performs" describes their nature without intending a specific object.

In this third interpretation, the meaning is: They did not create the heavens and the earth, nor are they certain of these proofs. Rather, they lack belief entirely, even if you bring them every sign.

This is supported by the subsequent verse: {وَإِن يَرَوْا كِسْفًا مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ سَاقِطًا يَقُولُوا سَحَابٌ مَّرْكُومٌ} (And if they see a piece of the heaven falling, they say, "This is but a mass of clouds") (At-Tur: 44).

This verse (referring to the falling piece of heaven) points to the proof found in the horizons (Afaq), while the preceding phrase {أَمْ خُلِقُوا} (Or were they created...) points to the proof found in themselves (Anfus).

Verse 37

{أَمْ عِندَهُمْ خَزَائِنُ رَبِّكَ أَمْ هُمُ الْمُسَيْطِرُونَ} (Or do they possess the treasuries of your Lord? Or are they the controllers?)