Tafsir of Al-Ahqaf 46:8

{Or do they say, "He has fabricated it?"}

This is a shift from mentioning their labeling of the verses as "magic" to mentioning their claim that Muhammad fabricated it. The meaning of the hamza in am (or) is one of denial and astonishment. It is as if it were said: "Leave that aside and listen to their reprehensible statement, which evokes wonder."

For Muhammad was not capable of producing it so that he could say it and fabricate it against Allah. If he were capable of it—unlike the rest of the Arab nation—his capability would be a miracle, as it would break the norm. If it were a miracle, it would be a confirmation from Allah for him. The Wise One does not confirm a liar; therefore, he cannot be a fabricator. The pronoun [in "it"] refers to the Truth, meaning the verses.

{Say, "If I have fabricated it,"}—by way of hypothesis—{then you have no power to help me against Allah.}

He would inevitably hasten to punish me for fabricating against Him. You would not be able to restrain Him from hastening [the punishment] against me, nor would you be able to repel any of His punishment from me. So how could I fabricate it and expose myself to His punishment?

It is said: "So-and-so does not possess [control over] himself when he is angry," and "He does not possess his reins when he is determined." Similar to this are the verses: {Who could prevent Allah at all if He intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary?} (Al-Ma'idah: 17), and {And whoever Allah intends to test, you will never possess for him [the power to do] anything against Allah} (Al-Ma'idah: 41). From this is his saying, peace be upon him: "I possess no power for you against Allah."

{He is most knowing of that in which you are engaged}

Meaning: that in which you rush into, such as disparaging the revelation of Allah, slandering His verses, and calling it magic at one time and fabrication at another.

{Sufficient is He as a Witness between me and you}

He bears witness for me regarding truthfulness and [the delivery of] the message, and He bears witness against you regarding lying and denial. The mention of knowledge and witnessing is a threat of retribution for their engagement [in these acts].

{And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful}

This is a promise of forgiveness and mercy if they turn back from disbelief, repent, and believe. It is also an indication of Allah’s forbearance toward them, despite the magnitude of what they have committed.

If you ask: What is the meaning of attributing the action to them in His saying, {You have no power to help me}?

I say: In what he brought to them, there was sincere advice, compassion for them regarding an evil outcome, and the desire for good for them. It is as if he said to them: "If I have fabricated it while I intend by that to advise you and turn you away from the worship of idols to the worship of Allah, then what can you do for me, O you who are being advised, if Allah seizes me with the punishment of fabricating against Him?"

{Say, "I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner."}