88:17 Will they not then look at the camels, how they are created,
88:18 and the heaven, how it is raised,
88:19 and the mountains, how they are firmly set up,
88:20 and the earth, how it is spread out?
88:21 Then remind! You are but a reminder.
88:22 You have no control over them.
88:23 But he who turns away and disbelieves,
88:24 Allah will punish him the greatest punishment.
88:25 Surely, to Us is their return,
88:26 then surely upon Us will their reckoning.
Relationship with the Previous Part
The previous parts mention that the Day of Judgment will take place and that people will be divided into two groups on that day. Then this part mentions some proofs that confirm Allah’s Oneness and ability by mentioning some aspects of His ability in this universe. Then Messenger Muhammad was commanded to remind people of proofs that affirm Allah’s Oneness and be patient when inviting them to follow the path of guidance as Allah sent him to guide people to the right path, and not to force them to be believers.
Tafsir
88:17 Will they not then look at the camels, how they are created,
88:18 and the heaven, how it is raised,
88:19 and the mountains, how they are firmly set up,
88:20 and the earth, how it is spread out?
‘Will they not…’ the interrogation is for condemnation and criticism. It incites people to reflect on some aspects of Allah’s Oneness and perfect ability in this universe that no one can deny.
‘Will they not look at…’ the intended meaning is to an invitation to reflect on those creatures, which will lead to learning beneficial lessons.
‘Will they not look at…’ the address is to the disbelievers, who disbelieve in Allah’s Oneness and deny the resurrection for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. Though there are many clear proofs in this universe that affirm Allah’s Oneness before their eyes, they are heedless of them and insist on disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness.
Will the disbelievers keep on their ignorance, deviation, and denying the occurrence of the Day of Judgment and recompense on that day. Will the disbelievers not look at and reflect on the camels that they can see with their eyes? Will they not consider how Allah created them? Allah created them in the best form and made their organs coordinated so that they can perform their functions properly. They can drink their milk, eat their meat, ride them when traveling, and carry their loads on their backs.
The camels are specifically mentioned because they are considered the most valued wealth by the Arabs, the most familiar creatures in their environment, and the most beautiful creatures as to their creation, forms, and constitution.
Someone may say, ‘Why are the camels mentioned with the sky, the mountains, and the earth and there is no relationship between them? The answer is, these things are present in the environment of the Arabs. They exist in their valleys and deserts. Therefore, they are mentioned according to their presence in their environment [Tafsir al-Kashshaaf, Al-Zamakhsahari].
Will the disbelievers not look at heaven and see how it is raised? If they carefully consider the amazing creation of heaven and how it is raised high without any pillar, they will certainly know that Allah created it in such a wonderful manner.
Will the disbelievers not look at the mountains, how they are firmly set up? How are the great mountains set up on the earth so that they protect it from moving or shaking?
Will the disbelievers not look at the earth, how it is spread out? How is the earth spread out so that people can safely live on it and benefit from its resources?
Qatada, may Allah be pleased with him, said, when Allah mentioned the attributes of Paradise in the Quran, the disbelievers became amazed. Then Allah revealed, [88:17 Will they not then look at the camels, how they are created…] They used to see the camels in their environment.
88:21 Then remind! You are but a reminder.
88:22 You have no control over them.
After reprimanding the disbelievers, who arrogantly closed their eyes and ears lest they should see the truth, and who were heedless of proofs confirming Allah’s Oneness and ability, Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad to keep on reminding people of the message of the truth.
O noble Messenger Muhammad, We have told you about the conditions of people on the Day of Judgment and that We have created this universe by Our ability. Keep on inviting people to follow the religion of the truth, Islam. Remind them of Allah’s proofs that confirm that He is the only God, who deserves sincere worship. This is your duty. Do not occupy yourself with their affairs. You have no control over them and you cannot force them to believe in Islam. You only have to convey Allah’s message. If they believe, they will be guided to the right path, and if they turn away from the truth, they will go astray. We shall call them to account for their deeds on the Day of Judgment.
88:23 But he who turns away and disbelieves,
88:24 Allah will punish him the greatest punishment.
O noble Messenger Muhammad, keep on inviting people to follow the right path, Islam. Whoever turns away from listening to your reminding and invitation, and insists on disbelieving in Allah’s Oneness, We shall punish him the greatest punishment. He will suffer the severe torment of Hell on the Day of Judgment.
88:25 Surely, to Us is their return,
88:26 then surely upon Us will their reckoning.
O noble Messenger Muhammad, keep on inviting people to Islam and reminding them of what brings them happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Then, do not busy yourself with their conditions. Surely, to Us is their return after death on the Day of Judgment. Then We shall surely call them to account for their deeds and recompense them according to them.
Learned Lessons from Surah al-Ghashiyah Ayah 17-26
• The disbelievers rejected to believe in Allah’s Oneness. Thus, Allah reminded them of some proofs confirming His Oneness that they can see in their environment. He reminded them of the miraculous creation of the camels, the amazing creation of heaven, the earth, and the mountains.
• Allah commanded Messenger Muhammad to keep on inviting people to Islam and told him that he only had to remind them of what brings them happiness in this world and the Hereafter and that he had no control over them to force them to be believers.
• Those who reject to follow Islam will suffer severe torment in Hell on the Day of Judgment.
• All creatures will return to Allah after death and will be raised for reckoning on the Day of Judgment.
Quran, English Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-Ghashiyah
Quran, English Translation and Tafsir of ibn Kathir, Surah al-Ghashiyah
The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah al-Infitar [Part 1]
The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl English Translation and Tafsir
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