Al-W¥^idÏ's Asb¥b al-Nuz‰l - The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies ...

Chapter 10: Surah Yunus
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
(Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man among them, saying: Warn mankind and
bring unto those who believe the good tidings…) [10:2].
Said Ibn ‘Abbas: “When Allah, exalted is He, sent Muhammad, Allah bless him and give him peace, as a
messenger, the unbelievers criticised him, saying: ‘Allah is too great to have a human like Muhammad as
His messenger’, and so Allah, exalted is He, revealed this verse”. 1
(And when Our clear revelations are recited unto them, they who look not for the meeting with Us
say…) [10:15].
Mujahid said: “This verse was revealed about the idolaters of Mecca”. Muqatil said: “It is a question of five
people: ‘Abd Allah ibn Umayyah al-Makhzumi, al-Walid ibn al-Mughirah, Mukraz ibn Hafs, ‘Amr ibn
‘Abd Allah ibn Abi Qays al-‘Amiri and al-‘Asi ibn ‘Amir. These people said to the Prophet, Allah bless him
and give him peace: ‘Bring a Qur’an which does not enjoin leaving the worship of al-Lat and al-‘Uzza’ ”.
Al-Kalbi said: “This verse was revealed about the scoffers who said: ‘O Muhammad, bring another Qur’an
which contains the questions we will put to you’ ”.
1
Tabari, :81; Qurtubi, :306; Durr, :340.