Surah An-Nahl
Chapter 16 · Verse 24 · Revealed in Makkah
“And when it is said to them, "What has your Lord sent down?" They say, "Legends of the former peoples,"”
Translation: Saheeh International
Listen to recitation
Mishary Rashid Alafasy
Reflection — Ibn Kathir
The Destruction of the Disbelievers and Intensification of their Punishment for rejecting the Revelation
Allah informs us that when it is said to those liars,
مَّاذَآ أَنزَلَ رَبُّكُمْ قَالُواْ
Reflection — Maarif ul Quran
Commentary
It will be recalled that, after describing the blessings of Allah and proving that He was unique in the creation of the universe, the text made a pointed reference to how the polytheists chose to stick to their own ways of error. In the present verses, the text describes how they, not content with their own straying, tried that others should also go astray like them. The punishment they would get for doing that has also been stated here. Earlier to that (24), there is a question about the Qur’ an, and the addressees of the question, at this place, are the polytheists. It is their haughty and ignorant answer which has been mentioned here along with a warning of consequences for this attitude. Then, after five verses (30), the same question has been addressed to believers who fear Allah which is followed by their answer, and where a promise of reward for it has been mentioned.
What does this verse bring up for you today?