Al-Hadid (The Iron): (8) And what is the matter with you that you do not...

Issues Discussed:

The Almighty rebukes them for abandoning faith based on two conditions:

1. The Messenger calls them: Meaning, he recites the Qur'an to them, which contains clear proofs.
2. He has taken their covenant (Mithaq): There are two interpretations regarding this covenant:

• Interpretation 1: It refers to the proofs established in human intellects that necessitate accepting the call of the Messengers. These proofs are stronger than an oath or solemn promise, which is why it is called a Mithaq (covenant). In essence, the evidence from transmission (the Prophet's call) and the evidence from reason (the established proofs) have converged. When these two types of evidence meet, the matter reaches a point where no further addition is possible. * Argument for Hearing-Based Obligation: Those who claim that knowing God is only obligatory through revelation use this verse as proof. They argue that the rebuke is based on the Messenger calling them, implying that the obligation to be blamed only arises upon the Messenger's call.

• Interpretation 2 (Weak): Attributed to 'Ata, Mujahid, al-Kalbi, and al-Muqatilan, this suggests the covenant refers to when God brought them forth from Adam's loins and asked: "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes" (Al-A'raf: 172). * Rebuttal: This interpretation is weak because the purpose of mentioning the covenant here is to establish that they have no excuse left for abandoning faith. The covenant taken from Adam's loins is not known to the people except through the Messenger's report. Therefore, before accepting the Messenger's truthfulness, this covenant cannot be the basis for obligating belief in him. In contrast, the establishment of rational proofs and clear signs is known to everyone, making it the basis for the obligation to believe in the Messenger. Thus, interpreting the verse this way is not permissible.

Al-Qadi (Al-Baqillani) stated that the phrase "What is the matter with you that you do not..." indicates their capacity to believe. This phrasing is only used for someone capable of an action (one cannot say, "Why don't you become tall or white?"). This implies:

1. The capacity (Istita'ah) precedes the action.
2. Power is capable of both opposing actions (belief and disbelief).
3. Faith originates with the servant, not by God's direct creation (in the sense of compulsion).

The verse "And what is the matter with you that you do not believe, while the Messenger calls you, and you have been given the covenant?" was recited with the active voice for "He has taken your covenant" (wa qad ukhidha mithaqukum).

The meaning of "if you were believers" is: If you believe in something based on evidence, why do you not believe now, since the evidence from transmission (revelation) and reason has converged and reached a point where no further addition is possible?