Tafseer-e-Quran Sura Hood Ayat 13-16 by Maulana Syed

In Surah Hud, verses 13-16, Allah presents a profound challenge to those who question the divine origin of the Qur’an, inviting them to produce even ten chapters like it if they believe it to be a human invention. This challenge is not merely a test of literary skill but a deep exploration of the Qur'an’s inimitable eloquence, wisdom, and unmatched impact, characteristics that affirm its divine source. Allah’s invitation to “call upon whomever you can, besides Allah” highlights that even the most skilled poets and scholars of the time could not replicate its wisdom and divine nature.
Verse 13 says, “Or do they say, ‘He has fabricated it?’ Say, ‘Then bring ten fabricated surahs like it, and call upon whomever you can, besides Allah, if you should be truthful.’” This call to imitate the Qur'an serves as proof of its uniqueness. By challenging doubters to create something comparable, Allah demonstrates that the Qur’an’s richness in both meaning and expression is beyond human reach, signifying a divine origin.
In verse 14, Allah reveals the inevitable outcome of this challenge: “But if they do not respond to you, then know that it was revealed with the knowledge of Allah and that there is no deity except Him. Then, would you submit [to Him]?” Here, Allah highlights that the Qur’an was revealed by His knowledge, a knowledge that is beyond human comprehension. This verse not only establishes the Qur’an as a source of divine guidance but also reaffirms monotheism, urging humanity to submit to the sole Creator.
Verses 15 and 16 then shift focus to those who seek only worldly gains, indifferent to the hereafter. Verse 15 states, “Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments - We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived therein.” Allah clarifies that while worldly pleasures are accessible, they are ultimately fleeting and superficial compared to the eternal rewards of the hereafter. By focusing solely on the material world, such individuals may attain worldly benefits but at the expense of spiritual and eternal success.
The next verse, “Those are the ones for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. And lost is what they did therein, and worthless is what they used to do,” is a powerful reminder of the ultimate consequences for those who neglect the hereafter for temporary gains. The material deeds they sought will hold no weight in the hereafter, leaving them spiritually bankrupt and distant from divine mercy. This contrast between worldly pursuits and eternal reward calls upon believers to seek meaning beyond the transient, striving for sincerity and purpose aligned with divine guidance.
In these verses, Allah urges humanity to reflect on the fleeting nature of worldly accomplishments and the enduring impact of faith and righteousness. The Qur'an, with its unmatched beauty and wisdom, serves as both guidance and a test of human sincerity, challenging us to seek beyond the superficial and embrace the path of divine submission for true, eternal fulfillment.