Tafsir Al-Mizan Volume 13

The volume begins by affirming the unity of God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the darkness and the light (verses 1–3). ʿAllāmah Ṭabāṭabaʿī elaborates on the systematic nature of creation, emphasizing its reflection of God’s oneness and the absurdity of associating partners with Him. This forms the foundation for the broader arguments against polytheism throughout the chapter. A significant section (verses 4–11) critiques the stubbornness of the disbelievers who reject divine signs. The commentary highlights the consequences of such rejection, warning of the inevitable emergence of truth and the downfall of those who mock it. ʿAllāmah also reflects on the lessons from previous generations destroyed for their transgressions, drawing parallels to the fate awaiting persistent deniers of truth. In verses 12–32, the focus shifts to humanity’s relationship with God. Discussions include the universal accountability to God and the transient nature of worldly life. ʿAllāmah provides a deep analysis of the innate recognition of monotheism in human nature, critiquing the polytheists’ deviation from this natural disposition. One of the profound themes in this volume is the exclusivity of divine knowledge over the unseen (verse 59). ʿAllāmah discusses the “keys of the unseen” as being solely within God’s domain, underscoring His omniscience and the limitations of human understanding.