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Explanatory Note
With such a comparison that shows man’s knowledge to be extremely limited in relation to God’s, the final touch in the sūrah paints the highest and noblest degree for man, which is that of recipient of God’s final message. This again is something close and finite in relation to the limitless horizon our sight cannot reach: Say: I am but a human being like yourselves. It has been revealed to me that your God is the One and only God. Hence, whoever expects to meet his Lord (on Judgement Day], let him do what is right, and in the worship due to his Lord admit no one as partner. (Verse 110) That is the ultimate horizon of Godhead. How does the horizon of prophethood compare with it, when it is, after all, a human horizon?
“Say: I am but a human being like yourselves. It has been revealed to me...” I am a human being who receives something from that highest level. I get my knowledge from that inexhaustible source. Yet I am a human being who does not go beyond the guidance which I receive from my Lord. I am a human being who is taught something, learns it and then teaches it to others. Whoever aspires to a position close to this height must first of all benefit by whatever he or she learns from God’s Messenger. They must also utilize the only means that leads there: “Whoever expects to meet his Lord [on Judgement Day], let him do what is right, and in the worship due to his Lord admit no one as a partner.” (Verse 110) This is the passport to that splendid meeting.
Thus ends the sūrah which began by mentioning revelation and the oneness of God, utilizing themes and tones that gradually grow more and more profound until they reach this final climax. It is a distinguished beat which generates all the tunes in the splendid music of faith.