Allah states that the idolators used to proclaim, “Why does not (Muhammad) bring an Ayah from his Lord,” meaning, a miracle of their choice! They would sometimes say,

Certainly, Allah is able to send an Ayah (sign). But, He decided out of His wisdom to delay that, because if He sends an Ayah of their liking and they still do not believe, this will hasten their punishment as with the previous nations. Allah said in other Ayat,

{And nothing stops Us from sending the Ayat but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the she-camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).}, and,

The Meaning of Umam

Allah said,

Mujahid commented, “Meaning, various species that have distinct names.” Qatadah said, “Birds are an Ummah, humans are an Ummah and the Jinns are an Ummah.” As-Suddi said that,

{but are Umam like you.} means, creations (or species).

Allah’s statement,

{We have neglected nothing in the Book,} means, the knowledge about all things is with Allah, and He never forgets any of His creatures, nor their sustenance, nor their affairs, whether these creatures live in the sea or on land. In another Ayah, Allah said;

there is a record of their names, numbers, movements, and lack of movement. In another Ayah, Allah said;

Ibn Abi Hatim reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said about the Ayah,

“Death gathers them." It was also said that the Day of Resurrection gathers them, for in another Ayah, Allah said;

‘Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Abu Hurayrah said about Allah’s statement,

“All creatures will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection, the beasts, birds and all others. Allah’s justice will be so perfect, that the un-horned sheep will receive retribution from the horned sheep. Allah will then command them, ‘Be dust!’ This is when the disbeliever will say,

And this was reported from the Prophet in the Hadith about the Trumpet.

The Disbelievers will be Deaf and Mute in Darkness

Allah said,

due to their ignorance, little knowledge and minute comprehension. Their example is that of the deaf-mute who cannot hear nor speak, as well as being blinded by darkness. Therefore, how can such a person find guidance to the path or change the condition he is in? Allah said in other Ayat,

{Their parable is that of one who kindled a fire; then, when it illuminated all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. They are deaf, dumb, and blind, so they return not (to the right path)}, and,

This is why Allah said here,

for He does what He wills with His creatures.