Sūrat al-Aḥqāf

Classification: Meccan (except for verses 10, 15, and 35, which are Medinan).

Verse Count: 34 verses (some say 35).

Chronology: Revealed after al-Jāthiyah.

Ḥā-Mīm.

The revelation of the Book is from God, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

We did not create the heavens and the earth and that which is between them except in truth and [for] a specified term. But those who disbelieve, from that of which they are warned, are turning away.

{Except with the truth} Meaning: except as a creation characterized by wisdom and a valid purpose.

(And) with the estimation of {a specified term} Meaning: an end point to which it reaches, which is the Day of Resurrection.

{But those who disbelieve, from that of which they are warned} Meaning: from the terror of that Day, which every created being must inevitably reach.

{are turning away} Meaning: they do not believe in it, nor do they concern themselves with preparing for it. It is also permissible that ma (in ‘amma) is an infinitive particle (masdariyyah), meaning: turning away from the warning given to them regarding that Day.

{Say, "Have you considered that which you invoke besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth, or do they have partnership in the heavens? Bring me a scripture [revealed] before this, or a remnant of knowledge, if you should be truthful."}