ﲱ ﲲ ﲳ ﲴ ﲵ ﲶ ﲷ ﲸ ﲹ ﲺ ﲻ ﲼ ﲽ ﲾ ﲿ ﳀ ﳁ
But if the Truth had followed their inclinations, the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them would have been ruined. Rather, We have brought them their message, but they, from their message, are turning away.
Tafsir
Verse range: 23:71
"But if the Truth had followed their inclinations..."
This indicates the greatness of the status of the Truth (al-haqq), and that the heavens and the earth—and those within them—would not have stood except by it. If it had followed their inclinations, it would have turned into falsehood, and that which sustains the world would have vanished, leaving it with no foundation thereafter.
Alternatively, it may mean that the Truth which Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought—which is Islam—if it had followed their inclinations and turned into polytheism, God would have brought about the Resurrection, destroyed the world, and would not have delayed it.
According to Qatadah: "The Truth" is God. The meaning is: If God were a deity who followed their inclinations and commanded polytheism and disobedience, He would not be a deity, but a devil. He would not have been able to hold the heavens and the earth.
"{...but they turn away from their Reminder}"
Meaning: from the Book, which is their reminder—that is, their exhortation, their testament, and their pride. Or, it refers to the "Reminder" they used to wish for, saying: "If only we had a reminder from the ancients, we would have been the sincere servants of God." It is also recited as bi-dhikrahum (by their remembrance).
"Or do you ask of them a payment? But the payment of your Lord is better, and He is the best of providers."
