[1315] Such a co-warner angel would have been made to appear in human form so that meaningful communication could take place. Otherwise, the Message could not be delivered to begin with thereby defeating the whole purpose as they would inevitably confuse him for a human being (cf. al-Ṭabarī, al-Wāḥidī, al-Wajīz, Ibn Kathīr, al-Saʿdī).
[1316] This shows that they were not sincere in their demand and that they only wanted to confuse and mystify matters.
[1317] Instead of game playing and charade maintaining, they are presented here with real evidence, which engages both the heart and mind, rising above the banal material evidences they were proposing.
[1318] After mentioning the most plausible and irrefutable of all evidences, the creation of the Heavens and Earth, particularly since the Qurayshites did not reject this fact, God Almighty’s Mercy is evoked to underline His absolute ability at any given time to destroy them for Denying in and doubting Him. This so that they realize that this happens even though they are given a chance to see reason and repent (cf. al-Qurṭubī, al-Baghawī, Ibn ʿĀshūr). Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Messenger (ﷺ) said: “When Allah created all of the creatures, He wrote in His Book, which is with Him above the Throne: “My Mercy overrules My Wrath” (al-Bukhārī: 7404, Muslim: 2751). This also constitutes a message to the Believers who are too eager to see Divine Punishment overtake the Deniers (Ibn ʿĀshūr).
[1319] This is to show that all dimensions are under the control of God Almighty; the spatial dimension, the Heavens and Earth, and the temporal dimension, day and night. Nothing exists outside the reach of His Power (al-Rāzī, Riḍā, Ibn ʿĀdil), not even in their most imperceptible inert states; He is verily the All-Hearing, All-Knowing of everything!
[1320] Fāṭir comes from faṭara (past tense) which means to create something totally brand new, unparalleled in the past (al-Ṭabarī, Ibn Kathīr, al-Saʿdī).
[1321] Only a Self-Sufficient, All-Sustaining God is worthy of worship and should be the only One sought for help. “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me. *I want no provision from them, nor do I want them to feed Me. *Indeed, Allah is the One Who is the Supreme Provider—Owner of Power, Ever Mighty” (51: 56-58).
[1322] This direct quote within the indirect report is meant as a two-fold delivery of this, most crucial Message; first for the Messenger (ﷺ), to assert his firmness, and secondly to deliver it to others (al-Shinqīṭī, al-ʿAdhb al-Namīr).
[1323] “…whoever is dragged away from Hellfire and entered into Paradise, then he is a winner” (3: 185).
[1324] This is further evidence of God Almighty’s Lordship as opposed to all besides Him, especially the idols whom the Makkans used to worship. They could not create anything, let alone the whole universe, or provide sustenance for their servants, nor could they harm or remove harm, bring good or prevent it (Ibn ʿĀshūr).
[1325] God Almighty’s total, unchecked dominance over His servants is a notion which is underlined in many Qur’anic passages; cf. 10: 107, 33: 17, 35: 2, 39: 38, 48: 11.