Surah Saba' ([The People of] Saba) 34 : 3

Explanatory Note

The sūrah then mentions the unbelievers’ denial of the inevitability of the Last Hour, even though they are totally unaware what tomorrow will bring. That it will come is certain; it is necessary so that both those who do good and those who do evil should receive their fair reward. The unbelievers deny the life to come because they do not understand God’s wisdom. In His infinite wisdom, He does not let people do what they please, whether good or evil, and then leave them at that, without giving reward to the doers of good and requiting those who do otherwise. He has informed us, through His messengers, that He leaves the reward in full or in part to the Day of Judgement. Therefore, all those who understand His wisdom with regard to His creation realize that the life to come is essential for the fulfilment of God’s promise. The unbelievers, however, are oblivious of divine wisdom. Hence, they impolitely say: “Never shall the Last Hour come upon us.” Hence the emphatic retort: “Yes, by my Lord, it shall most certainly come to you.” They have no knowledge of what is beyond their world, but they nevertheless are quick to assert something of which they have no knowledge. Yet the one confirming this is the One “who knows all that lies beyond the reach of human perception.” What He states is the truth. Furthermore, this truth is simple, complete and based on sound and true knowledge.

Once more God’s knowledge is portrayed against a similarly universal background testifying once more to the Originator of the Qur’ān. Such thoughts simply do not occur to human minds: “Not an atom’s weight in the heavens or the earth escapes Him; nor is there anything smaller or larger but is recorded in a clear book.” Such images do not occur in ordinary prose or poetry. When people describe knowledge as complete, comprehensive and accurate, they do not paint such a captivating universal image, ‘Not an atom’s weight in the heavens or the earth escapes Him; nor- is there anything smaller or larger...’ I have never seen in human language any attempt to draw such a picture. This is a description by God of His own knowledge, using human language in a way humans do not use it. Thus the Muslims’ own concept of God is set on a nobler level. The nearest meaning of the phrase, recorded in a clear book,’ is that God’s knowledge takes note of everything, including the tiniest of atoms and what is even smaller.

It is useful to reflect a little on the point raised by use of the wording: “Not an atom’s weight... nor is there anything smaller.” Until recently, it was universally accepted that the atom is the smallest thing. Now that it has been possible to cause atomic diffusion, man has learnt that the atom is comprised of a number of other elements. All glory to God who teaches His human servants, at a time of His choosing, what He wishes them to learn of His inner attributes and the secrets of His creation.