Surah Hud — Verse 110

Key Words and Their Meanings:

• Al-Kitab (الكتاب): The Book — here referring to the Torah (At-Tawrah) given to Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him.
• Fakhtulifa fih (فاخْتُلِفَ فيه): They differed regarding it — some believed in it, others rejected it.
• Kalimah sabaqat (كلمة سبقت): A word that had already preceded — referring to Allah’s prior decree to delay punishment.
• Laqudiya baynahum (لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ): Judgment would have been passed between them — meaning the matter would have been settled immediately.
• Murib (مُرِيب): Causing doubt and unsettling the heart — a suspicion that disturbs one’s peace of mind.

Explanation of the Verse:

Allah, the Most High, informs us in this verse that He granted Musa (peace be upon him) the Torah — a Book of guidance and light. Yet, despite its divine origin and clarity, the people differed over it: some accepted it with sincere faith, while others rejected it out of arrogance and stubbornness. This is exactly what happened with your people, O Messenger — they differed over the Qur’an, with some believing and others denying.

Had it not been for a decree that had already been issued by your Lord — that He would not hasten punishment upon the disbelievers but would delay it until the Day of Judgment, out of His infinite wisdom and mercy — then judgment would have been passed between them in this very world, destroying the deniers and saving the believers. But Allah, in His perfect plan, deferred the final reckoning to a set time.

And indeed, the disbelievers — whether from the Jews or the polytheists — are in a state of deep doubt and unsettling suspicion regarding this Qur’an. Their hearts are restless, unable to find peace in it, because their pride and prejudice blind them from seeing its truth. Yet this doubt does not harm the Qur’an; rather, it harms them, for it keeps them away from the path of guidance and salvation.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, ponder over the wisdom of Allah in this verse. He gave Musa a Book, and people differed over it — just as they differ over the Qur’an today. But this difference is not a flaw in the divine message; it is a test of human hearts. Those who approach the Qur’an with sincerity and an open heart will find in it light, peace, and certainty. Those who approach it with arrogance and suspicion will only find doubt — and doubt is a heavy burden that weighs down the soul.

Allah has delayed punishment not out of neglect, but out of mercy — giving every soul the chance to turn back to Him. So do not let doubt consume you, for the Qur’an is the living miracle that speaks to every generation. Open your heart to it, and you will find that it answers the deepest questions of your soul. It is the rope of Allah — hold firmly to it, and you will never be lost.