Day 279 · Surah Az-Zukhruf Verses 23-47

Az-Zukhruf 23–47

The disbelieving Quraysh questioned why a wealthy figure was not sent, as if they were trying to dictate Allah's mercy, while those who turned away from the Qur'an were made close companions of Satan.

• The rulers and wealthy people of former communities rejected the messengers to preserve their ancestors' traditions, and then they were punished.
• Ibrahim, who firmly rejected his people's shirk, was made an example until the end of time.
• The disbelieving Quraysh protested why prophethood did not fall upon a great figure of Mecca or Taif, yet provision and status are determined by Allah, and the Qur'an is better than the wealth they had accumulated.
• Abundant wealth, high rank, and numerous followers are said to lead humans into disbelief and arrogance.
• Those who do not hold fast to the Qur'an are accompanied by Satan who prevents them from the path of Allah, while all messengers called to monotheism, including Musa who was mocked by Pharaoh.

Verses 23-33 continue the previous verse regarding the rejection of rulers, community leaders, and wealthy people against Allah's messengers before the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Although the revelation brought by the messengers was far more upright than their ancestors' traditions, they still disbelieved in Allah's messengers openly. Then Allah punished them.

The Prophet Ibrahim firmly rejected his people's shirk, so Allah made him an example until the end of time. When Allah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as His Messenger, the disbelieving Quraysh protested why Allah did not choose Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughirah, a figure of Mecca, or Urwah ibn Mas'ud As-Tsaqafi from Taif. They wanted to dictate Allah's mercy. Yet provision and status are determined by Allah. The Qur'an is better than the wealth they had accumulated. They thought Allah was pleased with them because of that wealth.

Verses 34 and 35 continue the previous discussion regarding the traits of the disbelieving Quraysh who misunderstood Allah's will and wanted to impose their will upon Allah. Abundant wealth, high rank, and numerous followers can cause a human being to disbelieve and become arrogant toward Allah.

Verses 35-47 explain:

1. Those who do not take the Qur'an as a guide for living will be close companions of Satan. They strive to turn people away from the path of Allah and think they are doing what is right. In the Hereafter they will regret. Truly, a regret that is of no benefit. Those who befriend Satan find it difficult to receive guidance from the Qur'an. They only await punishment from Allah, in this world and in the Hereafter.
2. Allah commanded the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to commit to His revelation so as to always remain on the straight path. The Qur'an is as a reminder for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and his community. In the Hereafter he will be called to account for it. All messengers called to the monotheism of Allah, including Musa who was sent to Pharaoh. Pharaoh even mocked Musa (peace be upon him).

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