The Sovereignty (Al-Mulk): (20) Or is there this one...

Know that the disbelievers refrained from faith and paid no heed to the call of the Messenger (peace be upon him). Their reliance was placed upon two things:

1. The strength they possessed due to their wealth and soldiers.
2. Their belief that these idols bring them all good things and ward off all calamities.

Allah refuted both of these arguments against them.

As for the first point, He said: {Or is there this one who is a host for you to aid you besides the Most Merciful?} (Al-Mulk: 20).

This verse is a continuation of His saying: {Or are you secure from Him who is in the heaven} (Al-Mulk: 17). The meaning is: Is there anyone pointed to among the assembled group, who is said to be a host for you, aiding you besides Allah, should His punishment descend upon you?

Then He said: {The disbelievers are not but in delusion (ghurūr)}, meaning they are deluded by Satan into thinking that punishment will not befall them.

! 7 < {Or is there this one who provides for you if He withholds His provision? Nay, but they have persisted in insolence and aversion.} > 7