The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 5) — Page 6
CH. 46 AL-AḤQĀF PT. 26 وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنْ يَّدْعُوْا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ 6. And who is in greater error than those who, instead of مَنْ لَّا يَسْتَجِيبُ لَهُ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيمَةِ Allah, pray unto such as will وَهُمْ عَنْ دُعَا بِهِمْ غُفِلُونَ ) not answer them till the Day of Resurrection, and "they are even unaware of their prayer?3762 7. "And when mankind gathered together, they (false deities) will be enemies to them (their worshippers) and will وَإِذَا حُشِرَ النَّاسُ كَانُوا لَهُمْ أَعْدَاءً is وَكَانُوا بِعِبَادَتِهِمْ كُفِرِيْنَ deny their worship. 3763 a10:30. 6:23; 10:29. themselves, nor have they any power of distress by speaking to them words over death, life or Resurrection (25:4). Then what title or right have they to man's worship of them? The verse further says that in reality no authority except that of a revealed Scripture can form the basis for determining whether a certain belief is right or wrong. The words "Or some vestige of knowledge in your support" signify that human science and reason as well lend no support to idolatrous beliefs or practices. Thus this little verse embodies three very strong and cogent arguments repudiate and demolish polytheistic and idolatrous doctrines. 3762. Important Words: to of comfort. How encouraging and hope-raising are the Quranic words: "And when My servants ask thee about Me, say, I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he prays to Me" (2:187). Other religions hold out no such promise to their followers. Let them cry hoarse, the Quran says, their false gods will never answer their prayer because they do not possess any such power. Of what use, then, is that deity which is deaf and dumb and hears and answers not the agonised cries of its votaries? 3763. Commentary: The verse embodies yet another In this verse the votaries of false very convincing argument against gods are told that not only will their idol worship. Islam presents a Living gods not answer their prayers unto God Who listens to the prayers of His the Day of Resurrection, but will devotees and has given proof of this disown them on that awful day when fact in every age. He reveals Himself they (the idolaters) will be made to to His true votaries by accepting their face the consequences of their prayers and consoles them in the hour | idolatrous beliefs and practices. 2902