وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ مِّنَ ٱلْقَرْيَتَيْنِ عَظِيمٍ 31
Translations
And they said, "Why was this Qur’ān not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?"
Transliteration
Wa qalū law lā nuzzila hādhal-Qur'ānu 'alā rajulin min al-qaryatayni 'adhīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
The disbelievers objected to the Qur'an being revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying it should have been sent to a great man from one of the two cities (Mecca or Ta'if). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this reflects the arrogance and worldly standards of the Quraysh, who measured greatness by wealth and status rather than divine wisdom and prophethood. The ayah demonstrates how those who reject faith often demand signs according to their own desires and prejudices rather than submitting to Allah's divine choice and wisdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the broader Meccan context of Surah Az-Zukhruf, which addresses the objections and arrogance of the Quraysh regarding the Qur'an's revelation. The 'two cities' (qaryatayni) refer to Mecca and Ta'if, the two major cities of the region, where wealthy and influential figures dwelt. The disbelievers' complaint reflects their inability to accept that Allah chose Muhammad, whom they considered ordinary, as His messenger.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari where the Quraysh demanded that the Qur'an be revealed to a man with treasures is thematically related. Additionally, Surah 6:124 contains a related Qur'anic passage where disbelievers say similar things about whom the Qur'an should have been sent to.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that divine guidance and prophethood are not determined by worldly status, wealth, or human expectations, but by Allah's infinite wisdom. We should guard against measuring truth and righteousness by worldly standards, recognizing that Allah's choices transcend our limited understanding.