Tafsir of Al-Qalam 68:35

The Context: The leaders of the Quraysh observed their own abundance in worldly fortune and the scarcity of the Muslims' share. When they heard talk of the Hereafter and what God promised the Muslims, they would say: "If it is true that we are to be resurrected as Muhammad and his followers claim, our status and theirs will be no different than it is in this world. They will not exceed us, nor will they be favored over us; the best they can hope for is equality with us."

The Response: Thus, it was said: "Shall We judge unjustly and treat the Muslims like the disbelievers?"

Then, shifting the address (iltifat), they were asked: {What is the matter with you? How do you judge?} with such crooked judgment? It is as if the matter of recompense has been delegated to you, so that you may judge it as you please.

{Or do you have a scripture} from heaven {which you study} in which it is written that whatever you choose and desire shall be yours? This is similar to His saying: {Or do you have a clear authority?} So bring your scripture.

The original phrasing is tadrusuna anna lakum ma takhayyarun (you study that you have what you choose), with anna (that) being fatha-voweled because it is the object of the study. When the lam (in li-ma takhayyarun) was introduced, it became li-ma (for what you choose). It is also possible that it is a direct quotation of what is studied, as in the verse: “And We left for him among the later generations: Peace be upon Noah among the worlds.”

To "choose" (takhayyara) and "select" (ikhtara) something means to take its best part. Similarly, tanakhkhala and intakhala mean to take what has been sifted.

{Or do you have oaths from Us, binding until the Day of Resurrection} This means: "Have We guaranteed you and sworn to you with solemn oaths, ultimate in their emphasis?"

If you ask: "To what does 'until the Day of Resurrection' relate?" I say: It relates to the implied meaning in the prepositional phrase. That is: "These oaths are binding upon Us for you until the Day of Resurrection; We are not released from their obligation until that day, when We let you judge and grant you what you decree."

It is also possible that it relates to baligha (reaching/binding), meaning the oaths reach that day and terminate there, remaining intact without being voided until the promised judgment is fulfilled. Al-Hasan read balighatan in the accusative case as a state (hal) of the pronoun in the prepositional phrase.

{Indeed, you will have whatever you judge} is the response to the oath, because the meaning of "Or do you have oaths upon Us" is "Or have We sworn to you?"

{Ask them, which of them will vouch for that? Or do they have partners? Then let them bring their partners, if they should be truthful.}