Tafsir of Ad-Dukhan 44:17

"And We had already tried before them..."

It is recited as fattannā (with a shaddah) for emphasis, or because it befell the people. The meaning of fitnah (trial) is:

1. He granted them respite and expanded their provision, which became a cause for them to commit sins and fall into transgressions.
2. He tested them by sending Moses to them so they might believe, but they chose disbelief over faith.
3. He stripped them of their kingdom and drowned them.

"{Noble}" Noble in the sight of Allah and His believing servants. Or, noble in himself, for Allah does not send a prophet except from the elite and noble of his people.

"{That you deliver to me the servants of Allah}" An (that) is the explanatory an, because the coming of a messenger to those to whom he is sent implies the meaning of speech, for he does not come to them except as a bearer of glad tidings, a warner, and one who calls to Allah. Or, it is the an (that) which is the lightened form of the heavy anna, meaning: "He came to them with the matter and the discourse: 'Deliver to me...'"

"{The servants of Allah}" This is the direct object; they are the Children of Israel. He says: "Deliver them to me and send them with me," as in His saying: "Send with us the Children of Israel and do not torment them" (Ta-Ha: 47). It is also permissible that it is a call to them: "Deliver to me, O servants of Allah, what is obligatory for me upon you—to believe in me, accept my call, and follow my path." He justifies this by saying he is a "{trustworthy messenger}"—not accused of falsehood, for Allah has entrusted him with His revelation and His message.

"{And that you do not exalt yourselves against Allah}" An here is like the first one in its two interpretations. It means: Do not be arrogant against Allah by belittling His messenger and His revelation. Or, do not be arrogant against the Prophet of Allah.

"{With clear authority}" With a manifest proof.

"{Lest you stone me}" Meaning: Lest you kill me. It is also recited as ‘utt (with assimilation). Its meaning is that he is seeking refuge in his Lord, relying on Him to protect him from them and their plotting. Thus, he is indifferent to the stoning and killing they were threatening him with.

"{So leave me alone}" He means: If you do not believe in me, then there is no alliance between me and those who do not believe. So, withdraw from me and sever the ties of connection with me. That is: "Leave me be, neither for me nor against me, and do not approach me with your evil and harm." For the reward of one who calls you to that which contains your salvation is not this.

"{Then he called upon his Lord, 'Indeed, these are a criminal people.' [So set out with My servants by night; indeed, you will be pursued. And leave the sea as a calm expanse; indeed, they are an army to be drowned.]}"