Verse 13.31 No signs of GOD would change disbelievers

Here is a detailed explanation of Verse 13:31 from the Quran, drawing from Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi’s “Tafheem-ul-Quran” (Towards Understanding the Quran).

Verse 13:31 (Surah Ar-Ra’d)

Arabic Text:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ قُرۡءَانًۭا سُيِّرَتْ بِهِ ٱلۡجِبَالُ أَوۡ قُطِّعَتْ بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ أَوۡ كُلِّمَ بِهِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰۗ بَل لِّلَّهِ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ جَمِيعًاۗ أَفَلَمۡ يَاْيۡـَٔسِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن لَّوۡ يَشَآءُ ٱللَّهُ لَهَدَى ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِيعًۭاۗ وَلَا يَزَالُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ تُصِيبُهُم بِمَا صَنَعُواْ قَارِعَةٌ أَوۡ تَحُلُّ قَرِيبًۭا مِّن دَارِهِمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَأۡتِىَ وَعۡدُ ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ

Translation (Maududi’s Meaning):

(Even if a Qur’an were to be revealed) whereby the mountains were set in motion, or the earth were cleft, or the dead were made to speak (they still would not believe). Indeed, the command rests entirely with Allah. Have the believers not yet realized that had Allah so willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for the unbelievers, they will be smitten by a scourge in consequence of their deeds, or it will descend close to their homes, until Allah’s promise is fulfilled. Surely Allah does not go back upon His promise.

Tafseer (Explanation) from Tafheem-ul-Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

Maududi explains that this verse addresses a core objection of the disbelievers of Mecca and delivers a profound lesson in divine wisdom and decree.

1. The Context and the Objection (Ayat 31a):

The Meccan disbelievers would often say, “Why is Muhammad not given a sign like the earlier prophets?” They demanded spectacular miracles, such as moving mountains, splitting the earth, or bringing the dead back to life to testify to the Prophet’s truthfulness.

Allah’s Response: The verse starts by saying that even if a Quran were revealed that could perform such breathtaking miracles—making mountains move, the earth split asunder, or the dead speak—these disbelievers still would not believe. Their stubbornness was not due to a lack of evidence but due to the deep-seated pride and prejudice in their hearts. No amount of external, coercive miracles would change their inner state if they were unwilling to accept the truth.

2. The Fundamental Principle: Allah’s Absolute Command (Ayat 31b):

“Indeed, the command rests entirely with Allah.”

This is the central point of the verse. Maududi explains that guiding people to faith is not a mechanical process achieved by displaying overwhelming power. True guidance is a matter of the heart, and its keys lie entirely with Allah. He does not force belief upon people through terrifying spectacles because that would negate the very purpose of the test in this worldly life. Faith (Iman) must be accepted through free will, reflection, and a sincere heart, not through coercion.

3. A Lesson for the Believers (Ayat 31c):

“Have the believers not yet realized that had Allah so willed, He could have guided all mankind?”

Maududi states that this is a rhetorical question meant to console and instruct the believers. They should not be disheartened by the rejection of the truth by others. They must understand that if Allah had willed to compel humanity to believe, He certainly had the power to do so. But He did not will that. Instead, He willed to create a system where people are tested, and they choose their path based on reason and conscience. Therefore, the believers’ duty is only to convey the message clearly; the result is not in their hands but in Allah’s.

4. The Inevitable Consequence for Disbelievers (Ayat 31d):

“As for the unbelievers, they will be smitten by a scourge in consequence of their deeds, or it will descend close to their homes, until Allah’s promise is fulfilled.”

Maududi’s commentary highlights two forms of punishment mentioned here:

  • “A scourge in consequence of their deeds”: This refers to disasters, defeats, and calamities that befall them as a direct result of their evil actions and rejection of the truth in this world.
  • “Or it will descend close to their homes”: This signifies a state of constant fear, insecurity, and impending doom that hangs over them, even if a full-scale calamity hasn’t struck yet.

This punishment will continue in various forms “until Allah’s promise is fulfilled.” This “promise” refers to the final, decisive punishment, which could be their ultimate defeat in this world or, more comprehensively, the punishment in the Hereafter.

5. The Unfailing Promise of Allah:

“Surely Allah does not go back upon His promise.”

The verse ends with this emphatic declaration. It serves as a severe warning to the disbelievers and a source of comfort for the believers. The triumph of truth and the punishment for those who persistently oppose it are inevitable and bound to happen exactly as Allah has decreed. It is a law of Allah that does not change.

Summary of Maududi’s Tafseer in Key Points:

  • Rejection of Demands for Coercive Miracles: External, spectacular signs cannot implant faith in unwilling hearts.
  • Sovereignty of Divine Will: Guidance is a divine gift, not a human right that can be demanded by setting conditions.
  • Consolation for Believers: Believers should not be disheartened by rejection; their role is to convey, not to compel.
  • Inevitable Punishment: Persistent disbelief and evil actions inevitably lead to divine punishment in this world and the next.
  • Divine Assurance: Allah’s promise of victory for truth and punishment for falsehood is absolute and unfailing.

TAFSEER IBN KATHEER

Of course. Here is the Tafseer (exegesis) of Surah Ar-Ra’d, Verse 31 from Ibn Kathir, presented with the Arabic verse, a translation, and his detailed commentary.

Translation (Sahih International):

And if there was any Qur’an by which the mountains would be removed or the earth would be broken apart or the dead would be made to speak, [it would be this Qur’an], but to Allah belongs the matter entirely. Then have those who believed not accepted that had Allah willed, He would have guided all the people? And those who disbelieve do not cease to be struck, for what they have done, by calamity – or it will descend near their home – until there comes the promise of Allah. Indeed, Allah does not fail in [His] promise.

Tafseer Ibn Kathir of Verse 13:31

Ibn Kathir’s commentary on this verse is rich with context and draws from the traditions of the early Muslims (Salaf). His explanation can be broken down into several key points:

1. The Magnitude of the Qur’an and the Stubbornness of the Disbelievers

Ibn Kathir begins by explaining the first part of the verse. The disbelievers of Mecca demanded spectacular physical miracles from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), such as turning the Mount of Safa into gold or causing a spring to gush forth.

In response, Allah says that even if a Qur’an were revealed that had the power to perform the most awe-inspiring miracles they could imagine—moving mountains, splitting the earth, or making the dead speak—those stubborn disbelievers would still not believe.

  • Ibn Kathir emphasizes: The Qur’an itself is the ultimate miracle, containing signs and proofs sufficient for any rational person. However, their hearts were sealed due to their arrogance and predetermined denial. He quotes a similar sentiment from Surah Al-An’am (6:25): “And if they were to see every sign, they would not believe in it.”

2. The Decree Belongs Entirely to Allah

“but to Allah belongs the matter entirely.”

Ibn Kathir explains this means that all affairs are under Allah’s control and decree. It is not for the creation to dictate terms to the Creator. If Allah had willed to compel them to believe, He would have done so. However, His wisdom decreed that people should be tested with free will, so that the believer is distinguished from the disbeliever.

3. A Lesson for the Believers and the Reality of Divine Will

“Then have those who believed not accepted that had Allah willed, He would have guided all the people?”

Ibn Kathir interprets this as a rhetorical question meant to console the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers for the grief they felt due to the rejection by their kin and people. It is a reminder that guidance is in the Hands of Allah. The believers’ duty is to convey the message, and they should not be distressed by the disbelievers’ rejection, for it is part of Allah’s preordained plan.

4. The Inevitable Punishment for Disbelief

“And those who disbelieve do not cease to be struck, for what they have done, by calamity – or it will descend near their home…”

Ibn Kathir provides a concrete historical example for this part of the verse. He narrates that when the disbelievers of Mecca increased in their persecution of the Muslims, the Prophet (ﷺ) supplicated against them. Consequently, a period of severe drought and famine struck them, causing immense suffering. This famine was so severe that they were forced to eat bones and dead carcasses.

  • “Calamity” (Qari’ah): Ibn Kathir explains this refers to a disaster or a striking punishment that befalls them directly, like the famine.
  • “or it will descend near their home”: This means a punishment that looms close, creating constant fear and anticipation, even if it has not fully descended upon them yet.

5. The Fulfillment of Allah’s Promise

“…until there comes the promise of Allah. Indeed, Allah does not fail in [His] promise.”

Ibn Kathir concludes by stating that these worldly punishments were a precursor to the ultimate “promise of Allah.” This ultimate promise refers to one of two things, as mentioned by the early scholars:

  1. The Battle of Badr: This was the decisive battle where Allah gave the Muslims a resounding victory over the Meccan disbelievers, fulfilling the promise of their defeat. Ibn Kathir cites the following verse (Surah Anfal, 8:7) as a reference to this: “And [remember, O Muhammad], when Allah promised you one of the two parties – that it would be yours…”
  2. The Conquest of Mecca: When the Muslims eventually entered Mecca victoriously and peacefully, marking the ultimate triumph of Islam in its birthplace.

The verse ends with the emphatic declaration that “Allah does not fail in His promise,” assuring the believers of the ultimate truth of His word and the inevitable defeat of falsehood.

Summary of Ibn Kathir’s Tafseer:

  • The verse responds to the disbelievers’ demand for miracles, stating that even the greatest physical miracles would not change their stubborn hearts.
  • The Qur’an itself is the supreme miracle, and all matters of guidance and decree belong solely to Allah.
  • Believers are consoled not to grieve over the disbelievers’ rejection, as guidance is from Allah.
  • The disbelievers will face continuous punishment in this world for their actions, as exemplified by the famine that struck Mecca.
  • These punishments are a prelude to the ultimate fulfillment of Allah’s promise, which was realized in events like the Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Mecca.

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