Tafsir Al-Maturidi Ta'wilat Ahl al-Sunna – Tafsir of the Holy Quran – Volume 29 – Juz 29

- Maturidi highlights Allah's wisdom: the womb is perfectly designed as a safe chamber, shielding the embryo from harm.

- This demonstrates divine providence: from weakness and fragility, Allah provides care and protection until life is ready to emerge.

- For him, this verse refutes the materialist claim that creation is random. The precision of the womb testifies to intentional design.

- He stresses that reflection on embryonic development is proof that the Creator who shaped man in hidden stages can surely resurrect him after death.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 22

"For an appointed measure."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic: Arabic text

- The embryo remains in the womb for a fixed period, neither random nor endless.

- This qadar malum (appointed measure) shows that every stage of life is governed by Allah's decree.

- Maturidi stresses that life unfolds in limits set by Allah: conception, gestation, birth, growth, and death all occur at appointed times.

- This precision in worldly life guarantees the precision of resurrection. The same decree that fixes life's stages fixes the Day of Judgment.

- He notes that this rebukes disbelievers who claimed resurrection uncertain: if Allah already controls time-bound processes in the womb, how can He not control the time of resurrection?

- For him, this verse also teaches humility: humans live within divinely set limits — they are not masters of time but subjects of decree.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 23

Arabic:

قَدْرًArabic textَنِعَمُ Arabic textْقَArabic textِرُArabic textَ

"And We determined it, and excellent are We in determination."

Maturidi explains:

- Allah declares that every stage of man's creation was by deliberate determination (qaddarna).

- He praises His own act: truly, Allah is the best of determiners, precise in every aspect of creation.

- Maturidi highlights Allah's perfect power and wisdom: nothing in creation is by accident — proportions, faculties, lifespan, and destinies are all decreed.

- This verse reinforces a central point of his theology: divine qadar (decree) governs all, yet it is wise and purposeful, not arbitrary.

- He notes that this humbles man twice over: in his origin (a drop of fluid) and in his destiny (a decree he cannot escape).

- For him, the verse is also argumentative: if Allah determines creation so perfectly at the beginning, then resurrection is simply the continuation of His perfect decree.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 24 "Woe that Day to the deniers."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic: وَثَلُ يَوْمَةٌ لِلْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain returns after the proof from man's creation.

- Those who deny resurrection despite evidence from their own origin are condemned to destruction.

- Maturidi stresses that each return of wayl matches a proof just given:

- o Past nations destroyed (vv. 16 to 19).

○ Man's origin as lowly fluid (vv. 20 to 23).

- Despite such clear signs, deniers persist — therefore their doom is certain.

- For him, this refrain functions as both curse and certainty: a pronouncement that divine justice will fall without fail.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 25

Arabic:

Arabic textْمُنَجَعَلِ Arabic textُزْرِضُ كَفَArabic textًا

"Did We not make the earth a receptacle?"

Maturidi explains:

- Kifatan means a container, a gatherer, something that holds and encompasses.

- The earth gathers and sustains the living, and it also gathers and contains the dead in their graves.

- Maturidi stresses the dual function of the earth:

- o For the living, it provides sustenance, shelter, and space to dwell.

- For the dead, it serves as their resting place until resurrection.

- He notes that this proves divine wisdom: the same earth that nurtures life also receives death — showing continuity in Allah's plan.

- For him, this is a rational argument for resurrection: the One who gathers man in life and gathers him again in death will gather him once more on the Day of Judgment.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 26

"The living and the dead."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic: Arabic textًArabic text

- This clarifies kifatan: the earth holds both the living above and the dead within.

- It is a universal receptacle for all mankind.

- Maturidi stresses that this shows divine order: life and death are not chaotic but contained within Allah's system.

- He points out the lesson for the arrogant: the same earth they walk upon in pride will one day cover them in burial.

- For him, the verse reminds man that he never leaves Allah's decree — whether alive or dead, he remains within the grasp of the Creator.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 27

Arabic: وَجَعَلْنَArabic textِArabic textَؤْسِArabic textَلْمَخَArabic textِبَ وَأَسْقِArabic textَArabic textِمَ مَاْعَ فَزَArabic textَا "And We placed therein lofty, firm mountains, and gave you to drink sweet water."

Maturidi explains:

• The earth is further adorned with rawasi shamikhat — towering, stabilising mountains.

• Allah also provides mafurat — fresh, sweet water to sustain life.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses that these natural features are signs of divine providence:

- o Mountains anchor the earth, protecting it from upheaval.

- o Fresh water sustains life — a gift no human can create.

- He points out that these blessings, so essential for life, are proofs of resurrection: the One who provides such care in dunya will not abandon man in akhirah.

- For him, this verse also rebukes ingratitude: the deniers enjoy mountains and water daily, yet deny the Giver who sustains them.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 28

"Woe that Day to the deniers."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic: وَيَلْ يَوْمِذَِّ Arabic textْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain returns, this time after the reminder of earthly blessings.

- Those who enjoy mountains, water, and sustenance yet deny the Hereafter are condemned to woe.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses that denial is not due to lack of evidence — the very earth beneath them, the water they drink, and the mountains they admire all testify to Allah's power.

- The repetition of way/l after each proof exposes their stubbornness: signs surround them, yet they choose arrogance.

- For him, this verse captures divine justice: ingratitude to blessings becomes proof against them on the Day of Decision.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 29 Arabic: Arabic text

"Proceed to that which you used to deny."

Maturidi explains:

- On the Day of Judgment, the deniers will be commanded: go forward into the very punishment you mocked and denied.

- Their denial in dunya becomes their fate in akhirah.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the irony: those who ridiculed resurrection are now driven into it. Their mockery becomes the evidence against them.

- The command intaliu (proceed, march) implies force and humiliation — they are driven like captives to their doom.

- He notes the Qur'an's style: punishment is not abstract, but tied directly to their crime. They denied Hell; now they are told to "go to it."

- For him, this verse reflects divine justice: every denial returns to the denier as their own destiny.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 30 Arabic: Arabic text

"Proceed to a shadow of three columns."

Maturidi explains:

- The command continues: they are driven to a “shadow” that has three branches or columns.

- This is not cooling shade but the smoke of Hell, rising in three pillars.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi highlights the bitter mockery: they sought shade and comfort in dunya, but in akhirah their “shade” is the smoke of fire.

- The image of three columns suggests vastness — smoke rising high, splitting in three directions, engulfing them completely.

- He notes the Qur'an's deliberate use of "shade" here: it is familiar, normally associated with relief, but turned into horror, showing how denial corrupts even blessings.

- For him, this verse exposes the futility of worldly pride: the same people who built lofty tents and palaces now find their shelter in columns of smoke.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 31 Arabic: Arabic text

"Neither providing shade nor protecting from the flame."

Maturidi explains:

- The “shade” of Hell's smoke is clarified: it gives no coolness, no protection.

- Instead of relief, it increases torment, trapping them between suffocating smoke and blazing fire.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the total reversal: shade is normally a mercy, but here it is a punishment.

- He notes that this highlights Allah's power to invert expectations: what people rely upon (shade, water, wealth) can become torment if they rebel.

- For him, this verse reflects the futility of false refuge: the deniers sought protection in worldly idols, lineage, or wealth, but in akhirah they find only empty shadows that cannot save them from flame.

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 32 Arabic: إِنَّArabic textُزِمِيَ بِشَرَزَ كَArabic textْقَصْرَ

"Indeed, it throws sparks like palaces."

Maturidi explains:

- Hell is described as hurling sparks so large they resemble towering palaces (qasr).

- This imagery magnifies the intensity of the fire's fury.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the terrifying scale: these are not small sparks but immense flaming masses, like castles hurled upon them.

- He points out the irony: in dunya, they built palaces in arrogance; in äkhirah, sparks the size of palaces rain down upon them.

- For him, this verse shows the poetic justice of divine punishment: the objects of pride in dunya become images of doom in akhirah.

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 33 Arabic: Arabic text "As if they were yellowish-black camels."

• The sparks are likened to jimalat sufr — large, yellow-black camels.

- The image draws on familiarity: to the Arabs, camels were massive, awe-inspiring creatures.

- Maturidi highlights the Qur'an's choice of simile: sparks are compared to camels because of their size, colour, and movement.

- To an Arab listener, the picture is vivid — great sparks leaping like herds of camels, unstoppable and overwhelming.

- He notes the progression: sparks first described as palaces (grand size), then as camels (dynamic, terrifying movement).

- For him, this verse exemplifies Qur'anic pedagogy: it translates unseen horror into familiar imagery, making the threat unforgettable.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 34 "Woe that Day to the deniers."

Arabic: وَيَلَ يَوْمِنَذِ Arabic textْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain returns, now after the terrifying imagery of Hell's fire, smoke, and sparks.

- Maturidi stresses that after such vivid signs, denial is sheer arrogance.

- Each return of wayl marks a new angle of proof: cosmic, historical, personal, earthly, and now eschatological.

- For him, this refrain hammers the certainty of doom — no denier can escape, for every realm of creation testifies against him.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 35

Arabic:

Arabic textّ Arabic text

"This is a Day when they will not speak."

Maturidi explains:

- On the Day of Judgment, the deniers will be struck silent.

- They will be unable to argue, excuse themselves, or dispute Allah's decree.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses that this silence is not contradiction of other verses where sinners speak (e.g., 23:106 to 108). Both are true:

- o At one stage, they are silenced by awe and terror.

○ At another, they attempt excuses — but to no avail.

- He notes that here, the emphasis is on Allah's total authority: when He decrees, they cannot even utter a word.

- For him, this verse exposes the irony: those who were eloquent mockers in dunya, twisting words against revelation, will stand dumb before Allah in akhirah.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 36

Arabic:

Arabic text

"Nor will permission be given to them so they may offer excuses."

Maturidi explains:

- Not only are they silent, but they are also denied permission to present excuses.

- Their record and the testimony of creation against them make excuses pointless.

- Maturidi emphasises divine justice: Allah does not need their words, for their deeds, limbs, and angels already testify.

- He links this to 36:65, where Allah says: “We seal their mouths, and their hands speak, and their feet bear witness.”

- For him, this verse reveals the futility of rhetoric on that Day: eloquence, manipulation, and lies — once tools of denial — are stripped away.

- It is a reminder that justice in akhirah is truth unveiled, not courtroom argument.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 37

"Woe that Day to the deniers."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic:

وَيَلَ يَوْمِذِ Arabic textْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain returns: having no voice, no permission, and no defence, their end is only ruin.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi highlights the progression:

- First, cosmic signs (vv. 7 to 13).

- o Then proofs from history, creation, and the earth (vv. 16 to 27).

- o Now, their humiliation at judgment itself.

• After each stage, the same verdict is pronounced: wayl (woe).

- For him, this repetition reflects both the gravity of their crime and the multiplicity of proofs they ignored.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 38 Arabic: Arabic textّ Arabic text

"This is the Day of Decision: We have gathered you and the former peoples."

Maturidi explains:

- The judgment is declared openly: this is Yawm al-Fasl, the Day of Separation.

- All are gathered together — the present deniers and all former nations.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the universality of accountability: no nation, no age, no individual escapes.

- The Qur'an places Quraysh side by side with ancient peoples — stripping away their pride in lineage or status. They are judged on the same scale.

- He notes that calling it the “Day of Decision” again underscores finality: disputes end, excuses end, truth and falsehood are separated forever.

- For him, this verse humbles man: the mighty empires and simple tribes all stand equal before Allah on that Day.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 39 Arabic: Arabic textُكُArabic textَذِبَ فَكَدِArabic textَ

"So if you have a plan, then plan against Me."

Maturidi explains:

- A challenge is thrown at the deniers: if they think they have any scheme or power to resist judgment, let them try.

• The challenge is rhetorical — of course, they have none.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi highlights the irony: in dunya, the disbelievers prided themselves on makr (schemes, plots) against the Prophet and revelation.

- In əkhirah, all such plotting collapses; they cannot resist Allah even slightly.

- The verse exposes the hollowness of human arrogance: plans that seemed clever in life are revealed as useless before divine power.

- For him, this verse reinforces tawhid: no scheme, ally, or defence exists against Allah. The challenge is not for Allah's sake but to crush false pride.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 40

"Woe that Day to the deniers."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic:

وَيَلَ يَوْمِذِ Arabic textْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain falls once more, sealing the humiliation of those who schemed against revelation but are powerless before Allah.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi notes the pattern: after every proof and scene — creation, blessings, history, judgment — the same conclusion is reached: wayl for the deniers.

- The repetition is not redundancy but a hammering verdict, building intensity and certainty.

- For him, it also mirrors revelation's function in dunya: reminders were repeated often, but the deniers mocked them. In akhirah, the repetition is judgment, not admonition.

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 41 Arabic: Arabic textّ Arabic textْمُتَقِArabic textَ Arabic textٍ وَغَيْرُ "Indeed, the righteous will be amid shade and springs."

- After repeated warnings to the deniers, the surah turns to the destiny of the muttaqin (the God-conscious).

- Their reward is described with two images:

○ Zilal — comforting shade, the opposite of Hell's suffocating smoke.

○ 'Uyun — flowing springs, the opposite of Hell's fire.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi highlights the deliberate contrast: what the deniers lack (true shade, true water), the believers receive in abundance.

- The shade symbolises protection and relief, while the springs symbolise purity and refreshment.

- He notes that these are not minor comforts but essential human needs — showing Allah's mercy in granting both necessities and delights in their most perfected form.

- For him, this verse demonstrates divine justice: those who guarded themselves against sin in dunya are themselves guarded by comfort and mercy in akhirah.

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 42 Arabic: وَفَإِكَهَArabic textَArabic textَشَتَArabic textَ "And fruits from whatever they desire."

- The blessings continue with fruits of every kind, freely available and perfectly suited to their wishes.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the abundance and freedom: in dunya, fruits were seasonal, limited, and acquired with effort; in Jannah, they are constant and effortless.

- The phrase mimma yashtahun (“whatever they desire”) highlights that Paradise matches personal longing, with no frustration or deprivation.

- He notes that this reflects Allah's intimate knowledge of His servants: their reward is not generic but tailored to their deepest wishes.

- For him, this verse underlines the generosity of Allah: Paradise is not mere survival but perfection of joy, designed by the One who knows every heart.

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 43 Arabic: كُArabic textَArabic textْرِبُArabic textَنَيَاْ إِمَArabic textَنْتُArabic textَعَمْلُArabic textَ "Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you used to do."

- The righteous are addressed directly: their eating and drinking in Paradise is a reward, free of guilt or fear.

• Hani'an means wholesome, pure, without harm or regret.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the personal honour: Allah Himself addresses them, legitimising their enjoyment as lawful and eternal.

- The reward is explicitly tied to their deeds — showing divine justice, yet also divine grace, since the deeds themselves were empowered by Allah.

- He contrasts this with dunya: food and drink here are mixed with toil, sickness, or want. In Jannah, they are pure delight, with no consequence but joy.

- For him, this verse illustrates divine reciprocity: those who restrained their desires in dunya now enjoy fulfilment without limit.

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 44 Arabic: إِنََّArabic textَذَلِكَ نَجْزَArabic textْمُخْسَبِArabic textَ "Indeed, thus do We reward the doers of good."

- The pleasures of Paradise are not random but the due reward for the mu hsinin – those who excelled in faith and obedience.

- Maturidi stresses that this verse makes the promise universal: what is described for some righteous applies to all who strive in ihsan.

- Ihsän is more than minimal belief; it is excellence in intention, sincerity, and action.

- He notes that this closes the description of Paradise with principle: reward corresponds to effort, but Allah multiplies it out of mercy.

- For him, this verse is both assurance and motivation: the path of ihśan in dunya is never wasted; its fruits are eternal.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 45 "Woe that Day to the deniers."

Arabic: Arabic textٌ يَوْمَةٌ Arabic textْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain returns, now after the description of Paradise, to highlight the contrast: while the believers enjoy eternal bliss, the deniers face doom.

- Maturidi stresses that this refrain here seals the contrast: denial is not merely absence of faith but the forfeiting of eternal honour and joy.

- The repetition of wayl reminds that denial is an active crime — rejecting signs, blessings, and reminders despite clarity.

- For him, this verse shows the Qur'an's pedagogical method: reward and punishment are presented side by side so humans can choose with full awareness.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 46

Arabic: كُArabic textَتَمَثْArabic textَلِArabic textَArabic textِنَّكُمْ مَجْرَمُArabic textَ

"Eat and enjoy yourselves a little; indeed, you are criminals."

Maturidi explains:

- This is a sarcastic, scornful command addressed to the deniers in dunya.

• They are told: go on, eat and take pleasure now – but it is only for a short while, for you are guilty (mujrimun).

- Maturidi highlights the bitter irony: the very pleasures they cling to in this world are fleeting, and their indulgence only seals their fate.

- He stresses that this mockery strips away their illusion of permanence: what they see as enjoyment is in fact a rope leading to doom.

- The word mujrimun is central — disbelief is not neutral but a crime, cutting them off from truth and justice.

- For him, this verse rebukes not just their denial of the Hereafter but their arrogant misuse of dunya: instead of gratitude, they indulged in heedlessness.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 47 "Woe that Day to the deniers."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic:

وَذَلِ يَوْمِذِ Arabic textْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- The refrain falls again – those who wasted life in fleeting enjoyment while rejecting Allah's signs are condemned to ruin.

- Maturidi stresses the pedagogical rhythm: every time a scene of arrogance or proof is described, it is sealed with wayl.

- Here, it is tied to dunya indulgence: pleasures without gratitude or obedience lead directly to destruction.

- For him, this refrain underscores divine justice: what seemed sweet in life becomes bitter in eternity.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 48

Arabic: Arabic text

"And when it is said to them, 'Bow down,' they do not bow down."

Maturidi explains:

- The greatest sign of their crime: refusal to perform the simplest act of worship — bowing in humility before Allah.

- This refusal symbolises complete arrogance and denial of servitude.

- Maturidi stresses that this verse ties disbelief not only to belief of the heart but to action.

- Refusing ruku (bowing) is the essence of arrogance — the same arrogance of Iblis who refused to bow.

- He notes that the command here is simple, universal, and symbolic: bowing embodies recognition of Allah's greatness. To refuse it is to reject the essence of worship.

- For him, this verse crystallises the root of kufr: arrogance that prevents submission, even in the smallest outward act.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 49

"Woe that Day to the deniers."

Maturidi explains:

Arabic:

وَيَلَ يَوْمِذِِّْلْمَكَذِبِArabic textَ

- Once again the refrain returns, now after exposing their refusal to worship.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi highlights the layered structure: each proof (cosmic, historical, personal, earthly, eschatological) ends with wayl.

- Here, the refusal of prayer is the culmination — denial is not only verbal but embodied in arrogant rejection of worship.

• For him, this verse seals their fate: by rejecting servitude in dunya, they inherit humiliation in akhirah.

Tafsir:

Surah al-Mursalat – Verse 50 Arabic: فَأَArabic textَدِArabic textٌ بَعَArabic textِ يَوْمِ Arabic textِّArabic textَ

"Then in what message after this will they believe?"

Maturidi explains:

- The surah ends with a rhetorical question: if they reject the Qur'an, with its proofs, signs, and reminders, what else could possibly convince them?

- No message beyond this remains.

Maturidi's insights:

- Maturidi stresses the finality of revelation: the Qur'an is the ultimate proof. If denied, nothing else will avail.

- He notes the rebuke: they demand signs, yet the Qur'an itself is the greatest sign, surpassing all miracles in clarity and proof.

- For him, this closing verse demonstrates Allah's justice: deniers cannot claim lack of evidence. They reject the final, complete revelation — thus their ruin is fully deserved.

- It also consoles the believers: truth is clear and complete; rejection is due to stubborn hearts, not weakness in the message.

Lessons:

- Tawhid and Resurrection: The surah ties natural signs, historical destruction, and cosmic upheaval together as rational proofs of resurrection.

- Divine Justice: Wayl ("woe") repeats like a drumbeat — punishment is not arbitrary but the result of persistent denial.

- Human Responsibility: The refusal to bow when commanded in this life leads to incapacity in the Hereafter — choice now determines fate then.

• Mercy versus Punishment: The righteous enjoy ease (hani'an), while the deniers face deprivation and disgrace — the perfect balance of reward and justice.

- Final Warning: The Qur'an is the last and clearest proof; rejecting it leaves no excuse.

Surah al-Mursalat, through oaths, natural signs, history, and vivid judgment scenes, affirms the inevitability of the Day of Separation. For Maturidi, it demonstrates Allah's absolute power, wisdom, and justice, leaving mankind no excuse for denial.

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