Transliteration:( 'Am yaqooloonaf taraahu qul fa'too bi sooratin mislihee wad'oo manis tata'tum min doonil laahi in kuntum saadiqeen )
"Or do they say, 'He has fabricated it'? Say, 'Then bring [115] a Surah like it and call upon whoever you can besides Allah [116], if you are truthful [114].'"
The disbelievers of Makkah falsely accused Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) of fabricating the Qur'an. Some claimed that he was taught by someone, while others labeled it as magic. This verse specifically refutes the claim that the Prophet (PBUH) fabricated the Qur'an himself. Allah commands the Prophet to challenge them: if they are truthful, they should attempt to produce a single Surah like the Qur'an. This challenge highlights the unique nature of the Qur'an, which could not be replicated by any human effort.
The challenge to bring a Surah like the Qur'an refers to the inimitability of the Qur'an. Even a small Surah, such as Surah Ikhlas or Surah Kauthar, cannot be replicated by any human being. This proves the divine nature of the Qur'an and confirms that it could only have been revealed by Allah. The verse emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the Qur'an and the Prophet (PBUH), who was chosen to receive this divine message.
From this challenge, two important lessons emerge:
Divine vs. Human Creation: There is a clear distinction between things made by humans and those created by Allah Almighty. What humans cannot replicate or create, like the Qur'an, is a sign of divine origin, while things like electricity and gas are human-made inventions.
Calling Upon Others Besides Allah: The verse also indirectly shows that calling upon others for help is permissible, provided the intention is right and not equating anyone with Allah. This illustrates the flexibility in seeking help from others as long as Allah remains the ultimate source of guidance and power.
The tafsir of Surah Yunus verse 38 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Yunus ayat 37 which provides the complete commentary from verse 37 through 40.
(10:38) Do they say that the Messenger has himself composed the Qur’an? Say: In that case bring forth just one surah like it and call on all whom you can, except Allah, to help you if you are truthful.[46]
46. There is a general misunderstanding that the challenge of the Quran to produce a book, nay, a Surah like this, is in regard to its eloquent, pure and unique literary excellence. This has been the natural result of the way in which discussions have been carried on to prove the miracle of the Quran. But the Quran is far above this that it should claim to be a unique and matchless book because of its excellent diction. There is no doubt at all that it is unique and matchless in this respect also, but the real basis of its claim and challenge, that no human brain is capable of producing a book like this, is its subject matter and teachings. The Quran itself has stated at different places those aspects which are a sure proof of its revelation from Allah and the refutation of the false aspersions that it was a human invention. This has already been explained at appropriate places and will be explained in the succeeding pages. See (Surah At-Toor, ayat 33-34) note 26-27.
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