Surah al-`Ankabut (The Spider ) 29 : 50

Overview (Verses 50 - 52)

What Need for Miracles?
 
They say: ‘Why have no miraculous signs ever been bestowed upon him from on high by his Lord?’ Say: ‘Signs are in the power of God alone; I am only a plain warner.’ (Verse 50)
 
What they want are miracles like those which earlier messengers were given when humanity was still in its infancy. These serve as final evidence only to the generation and community which sees them. This final message, however, provides such evidence to everyone who receives its call until the end of human life. Therefore, its miracle is given in the form of verses of the Qur’ān, a miraculous book which is full of wonders. It opens its treasures to all generations. It is made up of verses that are clear to the hearts of those gifted with real knowledge. As they reflect on its verses they realize that they are in fact miraculous signs and they recognize the source from which they derive their power.
 
“Say: Signs are in the power of God alone.” (Verse 50) He produces them when there is need according to His own plans. It is not for the Prophet or anyone else to make suggestions to God concerning the provision of any sign. The Prophet tells them this, explaining that it is alien to his manners and nature that he should make such a suggestion. “I am only a plain warner.” (Verse 50) I explain things, deliver my message and warn people. When I have done that, the task assigned to me has been fulfilled. It is up to God to decide what to do next. Thus the faith is presented purely, free of any confusion and suspicion. The limits of God’s Messenger’s task are defined so that people do not become confused with God’s attributes. No ambiguity is allowed to blur his message. Such ambiguity occurred with earlier messages when the miracles shown to people became confused with myth and legend, leading to deviation from the path of truth.
 
Those people who demand physical miracles do not truly appreciate the great favour God has granted them with the Qur’ān. He bestowed this from on high so as to guide them:
 
Is it not enough for them that We have revealed to you this book which is being read out to them? Indeed there is in it much grace and a reminder to people who will believe. (Verse 51)
 
Their demands reflect an attitude of discontent with God’s great favour when, in fact, no amount of thanks and gratitude is adequate. Is it not enough for them that they actually live with this Qur’ān as it is revealed from on high. It tells them about what they feel within themselves, explains what takes place around them and makes them feel that God is watching over them, taking care of them, relating historical accounts that should educate them? What is man but a little creature, lost in God’s great universe? Indeed, mankind, the earth they live on and the sun around which it moves are no more than little particles in this great expanse. They are held in place only by God’s power. Yet He honours them, bestowing His revelations so that they are recited to them, and they are neither thankful nor satisfied.
 
“Indeed there is in it much grace and a reminder to people who will believe.” (Verse 51) It is only believers who feel this grace. They appreciate His blessings as He invites them to come to Him when He is the Most High, the Supreme. Such people benefit by the Qur’ān, because it lives in their hearts, opens its treasures to them and enlightens their souls with true knowledge and supreme light.
 
Those who do not feel any of this are the ones who demand a physical miracle so that they can accept this Qur’ān as true. These are blind people whose hearts do not open up to light. There is no use trying to argue with such people. Hence, the Prophet is instructed to leave a decision about them to God Almighty:
 
Say: God is sufficient as a witness between me and you! He knows all that is in the heavens and the earth; and they who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in God will certainly be the losers. (Verse 52)
 
A witness who knows all that takes place in the heavens and earth gives the best and greatest testimony. It is He who knows that their situation is false: “They who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in God will certainly be the losers.” (Verse 52) They are the absolute losers; they are the ones who forego everything. They lose both this world and the life to come, as also themselves, divine guidance, righteousness, reassurance, truth and light.
 
To believe in God is, in itself a great gain, and to be rewarded for it is by God’s grace. Belief provides reassurance and a steady footing along the way, steadfastness in the face of adversity, trust in God’s help and protection, and confidence as to the eventual outcome. This is indeed a great gain, and it is what the unbelievers lose.