Tafsir of Ya seen 36:66

"And if We willed, We could have obliterated..."

• Al-Ṭams (Obliteration): The erasing of the eye-slit until it becomes smooth.
• "Then how could they race to the path (al-ṣirāṭ)?" This phrase admits of several interpretations:
  1. It implies the omission of a preposition (the verb reaching the object directly), the original being: "race to the path."
  2. The verb fastaṭiqū (race) is treated as synonymous with ibtadarū (hasten toward).
  3. The ṣirāṭ is treated as the object being raced, not the destination being raced toward.
  4. It is in the accusative case as an adverb of place.

The meaning: If We willed, We would have erased their eyes. If they then attempted to race toward the familiar, open road they were accustomed to traveling to their homes and usual destinations—frequenting them often as they did when rushing about their worldly affairs—they would be unable to do so. It would be impossible for them to see or know the direction of travel, let alone anything else.

Alternatively, if We willed, We would have blinded them; if they then desired to walk, racing along the familiar path as was their habit, they would not be able. Or, if We willed, We would have blinded them; if they sought to traverse the path they were accustomed to walking, they would be helpless and know no way. This means they would be unable to travel any path other than the one they were habituated to, just as you see the blind finding their way only in the places they are accustomed to and have practiced, but not elsewhere.

"In their places (ʿalā makānatihim):" It is also read as makānātihim. Makāna and makān are the same, like maqāma and maqām.

The meaning: We would have transformed them into a state of paralysis where they remain fixed in their places, unable to depart, whether by advancing, retreating, moving forward, or turning back.

There is disagreement regarding this transformation (maskh):

• Ibn ʿAbbās: We would have transformed them into apes and swine.
• Others: Into stones.
• Qatādah: We would have frozen them on their feet and rendered them chronically disabled.

"Nor could they move forward (muḍiyyan):" It is read with the three vowel variations (muḍiyyan, muḍiyan, muḍiyan), similar to ʿutiyy and ʿutiy.

"And he whom We grant long life, We reverse him in creation; will they not then use their reason?"