Tafsir of Al-Qamar 54:29

Surah Al-Qamar (The Moon): Verse 29

{ فنادوا صاحبهم فتعاطى }

They called their companion, and he undertook (the deed).

Commentary:

• { فنادوا صاحبهم } (They called their companion): This is a call of one seeking aid, as if they were saying: "O Qaddar (the one who is capable/strong) for the people!" Just as someone might say: "By God, for the Muslims!"
• It is suggested that this companion, Qaddar, was the bravest, the most eager to undertake serious matters, and perhaps their leader.

• { فتعاطى فعقر } (and he undertook, so he slaughtered): This phrase has several possible interpretations:
  1. He undertook the instrument of slaughter (the knife/weapon) and then slaughtered.
  2. He undertook the she-camel and slaughtered her (this is considered the weakest interpretation).
  3. The word ta'ātā (undertook/took upon himself) is used to mean daring to commit a great act. The reality is that when a great deed is to be done, everyone involved pushes the responsibility onto another and absolves themselves of it. Whoever accepts it and proceeds with it is said to have ta'ātāhu (undertaken it), as if there was a mutual reluctance (tadāfu') and he took it after that reluctance.
  4. The people offered him a reward (ja'l) for the action, so he undertook it and slaughtered the she-camel.

[Then Allah Almighty said]:

{ فكيف كان عذابى ونذر } (So how [terrible] was My punishment and My warnings!)