قَالُوٓا۟ أَجِئْتَنَا لِتَأْفِكَنَا عَنْ ءَالِهَتِنَا فَأْتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ 22
Translations
They said, "Have you come to delude us away from our gods? Then bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the truthful."
Transliteration
Qaaluu a-ji'tana li-ta'fikana 'an aalihitina fa'tina bima ta'iduna in kunta mina as-sadiqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers of Mecca challenge the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), accusing him of trying to divert them from their idols and demanding he bring forth the punishment he warns about if he speaks the truth. This ayah illustrates the arrogant rejection and mockery of the Meccan polytheists who demanded concrete proof of the Day of Judgment rather than accepting the message of monotheism. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this represents the stubbornness of those who prioritize their ancestral customs over divine truth, and their demand for immediate punishment as a sign of their disbelief.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative in Surah Al-Ahqaf describing the dialogue between Prophet Hud and his people. While Surah Al-Ahqaf is Meccan, this particular passage reflects the general pattern of Meccan opposition to prophetic messages—the recurring theme of disbelievers demanding signs and immediate punishment as proof of the message's truth, rather than accepting the clear signs already presented.
Related Hadiths
The general theme relates to Hadith Qudsi where Allah describes those who demand signs: 'They say: Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?' (Surah Al-An'am 6:37). See also the context in Surah Al-Anfal 8:32 where Quraysh demanded Allah bring down punishment if the message were true.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that opposition to truth often stems from pride and attachment to ancestral customs rather than rational consideration, and reminds us that demanding divine punishment as proof is itself a sign of spiritual blindness. We should reflect on our own hearts to ensure we are not similarly resistant to truth because it challenges our existing beliefs or way of life.