أَفَسِحْرٌ هَـٰذَآ أَمْ أَنتُمْ لَا تُبْصِرُونَ 15
Translations
Then is this magic, or do you not see?
Transliteration
Afasihrun hadha am antum la tubsirun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents a rhetorical question addressing the disbelievers, asking whether the Qur'an is mere magic or if they simply lack the ability to perceive and understand the truth. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse challenges the Meccan polytheists who attributed the Qur'an's miraculous nature to sorcery rather than acknowledging it as divine revelation, implying that their rejection stems from willful blindness rather than lack of evidence.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tur is a Meccan surah revealed during the period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This particular ayah occurs within a passage describing the Day of Judgment and the fate of the righteous versus the wicked, serving to confront the deniers with the irrationality of their accusations against the Qur'an.
Related Hadiths
The concept of spiritual blindness despite clear signs is echoed in the hadith reported in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth; some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rainwater and brought forth vegetation and pasture in abundance' - highlighting how some perceive truth while others remain blind to it.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that rejection of divine truth often stems not from lack of evidence but from a hardened heart and willful refusal to see. As believers, we should examine our own hearts to ensure we are not guilty of spiritual blindness regarding the signs of Allah in our lives and in creation.