Translation
They consider the Jinn to be God’s partner, whereas God created them. They also falsely ascribe sons and daughters to God out of ignorance. God is glorious and above anything that one might ascribe to Him. He is the Originator of the Universe and the Earth! How can He have a son while He has no consort? He created all that exists, and He encompasses everything in His knowledge. Such is God, your Sustainer—there is no god but He—Creator of all things! Therefore, serve Him—in His care is all that exists. Human vision cannot behold Him, whereas He envisions all vision. He is truly Subtle and Aware!
Insightful evidence has already arrived from your Sustainer; therefore, whoever can envision it, it is for his own good, and who remains blind to it will have its consequence. [Tell them]: “I am not responsible for your conduct!” This is how We reinforce the messages lest they say: “You have indeed studied it well.” Thus We enable the people of knowledge to understand (Our message). Follow the truth that your Sustainer has revealed—there is no god but He, and remain undeterred by those who subscribe to polytheism. If God had willed, they would not practice polytheism. (Also), We did not assign you as a protector for them, nor are you in charge of them. Be mindful, and do not criticize those whom they invoke besides God, perchance they then revile God out of ignorance. We have made every community to see their conduct as fair in their views, but they will be informed about their activities once they return to their Sustainer.
They swear by God with a strong declaration that if a miracle were to come, they would certainly take faith in it. Say: “Miracles are at God’s disposal.” Do you not realize that even if such miracles were to happen, they would not believe? We keep their hearts and sights turned off, as they did not believe the first time around; We leave them alone in their arrogance, blindly stumbling around. Even if We have Angels descend on them, let the dead speak to them, and assemble all things (evidence) in front of them, they would not believe unless God wills (according to their merit); most of them are steeped in ignorance. 347
Interpretation
347 Attributing divine attributes to others besides God has been around throughout human history. Lack of knowledge and understanding, superstition, lack of humility, evil design, greed, ego, and so on to control the human mind and secure the loyalty of the ignorant and the innocent have led human beings to claim divinity, such as the Pharaoh (and other kings and queens in various parts of the world) or to ascribe divinity to objects (e.g., stones and mountains), animals (e.g., snakes by the Aztecs, elephants in certain Hindu beliefs, cows by followers of Moses), saints (to dervishes and pirs by Muslims or living saints by Christians), to Angels (e.g., the Holy Ghost in the Trinity), and even to prophets (e.g., Jesus in certain sects of Christianity). Conscious human minds and human beings have always questioned such fallacies and felt disturbed by such human conditions. Prophets and people of divine inspiration, philosophers, social leaders, scientists, and ordinary human beings have questioned such polytheism and guided human beings and societies away from such beliefs and practices, which lead to all kinds of social evils, including the loss of human dignity and divine grace.
***
REFLECTION
Faith in God and understanding the purpose of our creation come from deeper reflection of our existence and the world around us, a sense of accountability for our actions, conduct, and a genuine appreciation for one another as human beings. Reason will play a definite role in this, but we have to have hearts and minds to comprehend and accept reality and commit to the truth. As Pascal said, heart has its reasons that reason does not know. No amount of direct evidence will be sufficient unless one is inclined to reflect, feel, and use his or her intuitive sense and is willing to go beyond mere reasoning.
ACTION
We need to stay away from any form of polytheism that compromises our reasoning, stifles our intellect, and makes us subservient to anyone other than God Himself.
__________________________
Key Arabic Terms
104. basaayiru (proof, enlightenment, insight)
105. aaridh (turning away, being unaffected)