Tafseer Ibn Kathir of HUUD [88]

88. He said: ”O my people! Tell me if I have a clear evidence from my Lord and He has given me a good sustenance from Himself (shall I corrupt it by mixing it with the unlawfully earned money). I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you. I only desire reform to the best of my power. And my guidance cannot come except from Allah, in Him I put my trust and unto Him I repent.'' He said to them: Do you see O my people, that if I

(have a clear evidence from my Lord) meaning, upon clear guidance in that which I am calling to.

(and He has given me a good sustenance from Himself.) It has been said that he meant the prophethood. It has also been said that he meant the lawful provisions. It seems that the verse carries both meanings. Ath-Thawri said,

(I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you.) meaning, `do not forbid you from something and at the same time I contradict my prohibitions in secret behind your backs, doing what I have forbidden.' This is similar to what Qatadah said concerning Allah's statement,

(I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you.) ”He is saying, `I do not forbid you all from something while I do it myself.'''

(I only desire reform to the best of my power.) This means, ”In that which I command and forbid you, I only want to correct your affair as much as I am able.''

(And my guidance cannot come) This means, ”In whatever I intend that agrees with the truth.''

(except from Allah, in Him I put my trust) This means in all of my affairs.

(and unto Him I repent.) meaning; ”I return.'' This has been said by Mujahid and others.