Tafsir of As-Saffat 37:11

"So ask them: Are they stronger in creation, or those whom We have created?"

The Hamza (in A-hum): Although it functions as an affirmation (taqrir), it remains fundamentally interrogative. That is why it is said: "Ask them," meaning: seek their opinion. It does not say "affirm them."

The Pronoun: It refers to the polytheists of Mecca. It is said that this was revealed regarding Abu al-Ashadd ibn Kalada, who was nicknamed as such due to his intense strength and might.

"Or those whom We have created": He means the creations previously mentioned: the angels, the heavens, the earth, the points of sunrise, the planets, the piercing stars, and the rebellious devils. He prioritized the rational beings over others, saying "those whom We have created." The evidence for this is the verse following the enumeration of these things: "So ask them: Are they stronger in creation, or those whom We have created?" using the connective fa (so).

"Or those whom We have created": This is stated absolutely without specific qualification, as the preceding description is sufficient. It is as if He said: "We have created such-and-such wonders and marvels of creation; so ask them: Are they stronger in creation, or that which We have created of these?" This interpretation is confirmed by the variant readings of "or those whom We have numbered" ('adadna), both in the light and heavy forms.

"Stronger in creation": This may mean "more powerful in constitution," from the saying "a person of strong constitution," implying their creation possesses strength. Alternatively, it may mean "more difficult and arduous to create," intended to refute their denial of the Resurrection and the second life. The argument is that He for whom the creation of these immense beings was easy—and for whom their invention was not difficult—would find the creation of humans even easier.

"From sticky clay": This is either:

1. A testimony to their weakness and softness, for that which is made of clay is not described as having hardness or strength.
2. An argument against them, noting that the sticky clay from which they were created is merely dust. How, then, can they deny being recreated from similar dust, as they said: "When we are dust..."? This meaning is supported by the subsequent mention of their denial of the Resurrection.

It has been said that it refers to "those whom We have created" from past nations, but this interpretation is not fitting.

Notes:

• It is read as lazib and latib; the meaning is the same.
• Thaqib (piercing) means intensely luminous.

"Nay, you wonder, while they mock. And when they are reminded, they do not remember. And when they see a sign, they seek to mock."