Overview (Verse 12)

Short-Sighted Requests

Those who betray a total ignorance of God’s purpose and wisdom in creating the universe and man demand that the messengers be angels or, at least, accompanied by angels. They underestimate the value of the message and demand that a messenger be given vast treasure. Here the sūrah addresses the Prophet and asks what he is going to do about such people. Is it, then, conceivable that you may omit any part of what is being revealed to you and feel distressed in your heart at their saying: ‘Why has not a treasure been bestowed on him from on high?’— or, ‘Why has not an angel come with him?’ You are only a warner, whereas God has everything in His care. (Verse 12) This verse does not present a direct question. Instead it imparts the impression that any human being would be distressed at such ignorance, stupidity and intransigence. Basically, the Prophet is being asked whether his distress and irritation at such people would make him leave out some parts of the revelations he receives from God, so as to avoid the sort of answers other prophets received from their communities.

The ending of the verse, however, clearly states that the Prophet’s duty is to warn them: ‘You are only a warner.’ Such people need to be warned. Hence this aspect of the Prophet’s role is emphasized here.

As you do your duty you know that “God has everything in His care.” He will do with them what He wills, according to the laws He has established, and He will hold them accountable for what they do. The Prophet is not responsible for either their acceptance or denial of faith. He is only a warner.

This last verse lets us know the difficulties the Prophet faced at this time, and how he felt his burden to be very heavy indeed. It reminds us of the unbelievers’ intransigence, hostility and conceit. Few were they at this time who responded favourably to the Prophet’s call, and they endured great hardship. Yet, revelations continued to be bestowed on him from on high providing encouragement and reassurance.