Tafseer Ibn Kathir of AZ ZUMAR [62]

62. Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Trustee over all things. 63. To Him belong the Maqalid of the heavens and the earth. And those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah, such are they who will be the losers. 64. Say: ”Do you order me to worship other than Allah O you fools!'' 65. And indeed it has been revealed to you, as it was to those before you: ”If you join others in worship with Allah, surely your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.'' 66. Nay! But worship Allah, and be among the grateful. Allah tells us that He is the Creator, Lord, Sovereign and Controller of all things; everything is subject to His dominion, power and guardianship.

(To Him belong the Maqalid of the heavens and the earth.) Mujahid said, ”Maqalid means `keys' in Persian.'' This was also the view of Qatadah, Ibn Zayd and Sufyan bin `Uyaynah. As-Suddi said:

(To Him belong the Maqalid of the heavens and the earth.) ”The treasures of the heavens and the earth.'' Both opinions mean that the control of all things is in the Hand of Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, for His is the dominion and to Him is the praise, and He is able to do all things. He says:

(And those who disbelieve in the Ayat of Allah,) meaning, His proof and evidence,

(such are they who will be the losers.)

(Say: ”Do you order me to worship other than Allah O you fools!'') The reason for the revelation of this Ayah was narrated by Ibn Abi Hatim and others from Ibn `Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the idolators in their ignorance called the Messenger of Allah to worship their gods, then they would worship his God with him. Then these words were revealed:

(Say: ”Do you order me to worship other than Allah O you fools!'' And indeed it has been revealed to you, as it was to those before you: ”If you join others in worship with Allah, surely your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.'') This is like the Ayah:

(But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.) (6:88).

(Nay! But worship Allah, and be among the grateful.) means, `you and those who follow you and believe in you should make your worship sincerely for Allah Alone, with no partner or associate.'