TAFSEER OF SURAH YASEEN (Part 4)
وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْ بَیْنِ أَیْدِیھِمْ سَدًّا وَمِنْ خَلْفِھِمْ سَدًّا فَأَغْشَیْنَاھُمْ فَھُمْ لاَ یُبْصِرُونَ
9. And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see. Here, another comparison of their state is given. The verse explains that they (the unbelievers) are like such people who have placed a wall in front of them and a wall behind them. In this state, they are blocked from everything and remain totally unaware of their surroundings. This is also a metaphorical description of the state of the unbelievers. It explains that their deep rooted disbelief and shirk have made them blind to the truth that surrounds them. Their firm adherence to falsehood, has blocked their sight from recognizing the truth which has been sent to them. Thus, they are covered from every direction and are not able to see the path of guidance.
While commenting on the above verses, some exegetes have stated that the verses were revealed on a special occasion, and describe a real state which Allah placed over the unbelievers. It is narrated that on one occasion, Abu Jahl swore that if he saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم performing Salaah (in the Haram), he will crush his head with a rock. Thus, when Abu Jahl saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمin Salaah, he took a rock and was about to
throw it at him. At that time, his hand went to his neck and the rock became stuck on his hand. Abu Jahl then returned to his companions and informed them of what happened. Upon this, Waleed bin Mughirah said, ‘I will crush his head.’ Saying this, he proceeded to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم who was performing Salaah, and raised his hand to throw the rock, but Allah immediately seized his sight and he became blind. At this time, he heard the voice of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمbut could not see him. He then returned to his companions but could not
see them, until they called out to him. He said to them, ‘By Allah, I did not see him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم (but I heard him.’ When the second man failed to accomplish this evil task, a third stood up and said, ‘By Allah! I will surely crush his head.’ He then took the rock and proceeded to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم .However, he suddenly started to run back on his heels and fell unconsciously to the ground. It was then said to him, ‘What is the matter with you?’ He said, ‘My issue is a grave one. I saw the man (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ,(but when I went close to him, a large camel suddenly appeared before me swinging its tail. I have never seen such a large camel like this, which came between me and him (the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم .(I swear by Laat and Uzza, if I had gone close to him, the camel would have devoured me.’ Upon this, the above verses were revealed, which explained the states that came over those who wanted to cause harm to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) .
Tafseer Al Qurtubi, Vol.15, Pg.11-12, Maktab Rasheedya / Tafseer Mazhari, Vol.9, Pg.358, Darul Ishaat, Karachi 2010 / Tafseer Al Baghwi, Vol.4, Pg.6, Idara Taleefaat Ashrafiya Multan Pakistan).
Some commentators have also stated that the above verses (8 and 9) speak about the punishment which the unbelievers will receive in the fire of Hell. In this regard, Imam Al Qurtubi writes, ‘It is said that the verse indicates to what will be done to the people, tomorrow in the fire of Hell, by placing iron collars on their necks and chains.