Tafsir of Hud 11:2

{ألا تعبدوا} (That you worship none but): This is a maf‘ul lahu (causative object), meaning: "so that you do not worship [anyone but Allah]." Alternatively, the an (that) may be mufassira (explanatory), because the detailing of the verses contains the meaning of a command; it is as if it were said: "He said: 'Do not worship anyone but Allah,'" or "He commanded you not to worship anyone but Allah."

{وأن استغفروا} (And that you seek forgiveness): Meaning, He commanded you to practice Tawhid (monotheism) and to seek forgiveness.

It is also permissible that this is a new, independent statement spoken by the Prophet (ﷺ), urging the exclusivity of worship to Allah. This is supported by his saying: {إني لكم منه نذير وبشير} (Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings). It is as if he said: "Abandon the worship of other than Allah; indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings," similar to the Almighty’s saying: {فضرب الرقاب} (Then strike the necks) [Muhammad: 4].

The pronoun in {منه} (from Him) refers to Allah (Mighty and Majestic is He), meaning: I am a warner and a bringer of good tidings to you from His side, like His saying: {رسول من الله} (A Messenger from Allah) [Al-Bayyinah: 2]. Or, it is connected to "warner," meaning: I warn you of Him and His punishment if you disbelieve, and I bring you good tidings of His reward if you believe.

If you ask: What is the meaning of "then" (thumma) in His saying: {ثم توبوا إليه} (Then repent to Him)? I say: Its meaning is: Seek forgiveness for polytheism, then return to Him through obedience. Or: Seek forgiveness—and seeking forgiveness is repentance—then make that repentance sincere and remain steadfast upon it, like His saying: {ثم استقاموا} (Then remained steadfast) [Al-Ahqaf: 13].

{يمتعكم} (He will grant you enjoyment): He will prolong your benefit in this world with good, pleasing provisions, such as an abundant life and continuous blessings.

{إلى أجل مسمى} (Until a specified term): Until He takes your souls, like His saying: {فلنحيينه حياة طيبة} (We will surely cause him to live a good life) [An-Nahl: 97].

{ويؤت كل ذي فضل فضله} (And give every doer of favor his favor): He will give in the Hereafter everyone who possessed excellence in their deeds and an increase therein, the reward for their excellence, without diminishing it. Or, it refers to their excellence in reward; the ranks in Paradise vary according to the variation in deeds.

{وإن تولوا} (But if you turn away): If you turn away.

{عذاب يوم كبير} (The punishment of a great day): This is the Day of Resurrection. It is described as "great" just as it is described as "mighty" and "heavy." The punishment of the "great day" is clarified by the fact that their return is to One who is capable of all things; thus, He is capable of the most severe punishment He wills for them, and nothing renders Him incapable. It has also been recited as wa-in tawallaw (from waliya—to turn away).

{ألا إنهم يثنون صدورهم ليستخفوا منه ألا حين يستغشون ثيابهم يعلم ما يسرون وما يعلنون إنه عليم بذات الصدور} (Unquestionably, they fold up their breasts to hide from Him. Unquestionably, [even] when they cover themselves in their clothing, He knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.)