Why do the objections of the unbelievers to the divine revelation differ?

- I have a question about two verses in the Quran that I am trying to understand better.
- In the chapter of al-Anbiya (21:5), it is stated that the unbelievers said that the divine revelation consisted only of confusing dreams, that the Prophet fabricated it or that he was a poet, and that they demanded a miracle like those given to previous prophets.
- In the chapter of al-Qasas (28:48), it is stated that when the truth came to them from Allah, they said, “Why are not (Signs) sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?” They also accused the revelations of being magic and rejected both.
- My question is this: Did these statements come from the same group of unbelievers (the Makkan polytheists) at different periods of the divine revelation, or are they different objections raised by the same unbelievers at the same time?
- If they are different objections from the same unbelievers at the same time, would it not be a contradiction?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Your question is actually an issue frequently addressed in tafsirs on the Quran:

- Why do the claims of those who deny the divine revelation constantly change? Does this indicate a contradiction, or something else?

To sum up: There is no contradiction between those verses. These words, as reported in the Quran, are various accusations made by unbelievers at different times or simultaneously. This diversity shows that they tried every possible argument to reject the revelation, rather than offering a coherent critique.

1. The Meaning of the Objections in al-Anbiya 21/5

In the chapter of al-Anbiya, verse 5, it is reported that the unbelievers said:

“Nay,” they say, “(these are) medleys of dream! - Nay, He forged it! - Nay, He is (but) a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to (Prophets) of old!”

The word “bal” is repeated several times in the Arabic text. This word means “no, on the contrary,” and indicates that the speaker is abandoning their previous statement and making a new claim. Tafsir scholars say that it means the following:

A group called them “medleys of dreams. “

Others said “made up. “

Yet others said “poet”.

Thus, there is no single consistent claim. Each has produced different explanations. This shows a desperate attempt to refute the message of the Quran.

Some tafsir scholars interpret it as follows:

The claims get progressively weaker; that is, what they say becomes increasingly inconsistent. (See Fakhruddin ar-Razi and Zamakhshari’s the interpretation of the verse in question)

2. Context of the Objection in al-Qasas 28/48

In the chapter of al-Qasas, verse 48, another objection is reported:

“Why are not (Signs) sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?”

Here, the unbelievers cite the miracles of the Prophet Moses as an example and demand similar miracles. However, the continuation of the verse mentions a very important point:

“Do they not then reject (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say: “Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!”

So, the Quran itself shows their inconsistency: they did not actually accept the miracles of Prophet Moses either. Nevertheless, they used him as an example to justify their actions.

Therefore, the aim here is not really to seek evidence, but to create a new justification for rejecting prophethood.

3. Is it a contradiction for the same people to make different claims?

No. It is not a contradiction for several reasons:

- Different people may have made different claims.

There were many opponents in Makkah.

Some called it “magic,” others “poetry,” and some others “dream. “

- The same people may have made different claims over time.

Throughout the approximately 23-year period during which the Quran was revealed, opponents have constantly leveled new accusations.

- The Quran specifically seeks to highlight this inconsistency.

The structure “bal... bal...” in the verses is a rhetorical device showing that the unbelievers were indecisive, confused, and inconsistent.

- The main message the Quran wants to convey.

The purpose of those verses is to reveal this truth: The deniers did not make a real evaluation. Their aim was not to seek the truth, but to reject it.

Therefore, they made a new claim at every opportunity.

The Quran describes the same situation elsewhere:

“It is magic.”
“It is poetry.”
“It is the tales of previous people.”
“Someone teaches him.”

This diversity shows both the inconsistency of those who reject it and points to the fact that those who reject it are different individuals and groups.

Conclusion:

- There is no contradiction between verse 5 of the chapter of al-Anbiya and verse 48 of the chapter of al-Qasas. Those verses report the different and inconsistent claims put forward by the unbelievers of Makkah to reject the divine revelation.

- By recounting those claims, the Quran shows the inconsistency of their ideas and indicates that they fabricate different excuses to reject revelation.

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