(أَفَمَن كَانَ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّه) (So is one who [stands] upon a clear evidence from his Lord [like the aforementioned]): The (clear evidence) denotes the pure insight which alerts man to the existence of the Creator. Thus, guidance is provided with common insight and instinct, as the ancient Arab said: “The dung of animals indicates the presence of camel, and the tracks indicates that the animal was moving. Then what of the sky that has the planets, and the earth with its mountains. Does all this them not testify to The Subtle, The Aware?”
(وَيَتْلُوهُ شَاهِدٌ مِّنْهُ) (And a witness from Him follows it): The Holy Quran is a proof and a light. It guides the innate insight that exists in man. (a witness) refers to the Prophet, who received the revelation. Here, we are faced with three witnesses: the first witness is the clear evidence. The second witness is the pure insight and discernment by which the mind is guided. The third witness is the Prophet who shows us the way of Guidance.
(وَمِن قَبْلِهِ كِتَابُ مُوسَىٰ إِمَامًا وَرَحْمَةً ) (and before it was the Scripture of Moses to lead and as mercy): Before the Prophet (saws), there was the Book of Musa )PBUH). Whoever does not take note of the three evidences, he is negligent.
( أُولَٰئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ) (Those [believers in the former revelations] believe in the Qur’an): Referring to those who took note of the evidences.
( وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِ ) (But whoever disbelieves in it) : (Disbelief) in Arabic language refers to (covering up). So, it is itself evidence of faith, as a person does not disbelieve in something that does not exist. Thus, the disbeliever’s concealing the truth is evidence of the existence of Allah (swt).
( مِنَ الْأَحْزَابِ) (from the [various] factions): A faction refers to a group that is united on a principle, which they are keen to implement, just like the parties we see in political life.
(فَالنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُ) (the Fire is his promised destination): This refers to the disbelievers of Quraysh, the idol worshippers, Sabians, Jews and others who did not believe in the message of the Prophet (saws). Each of them is a group representing a faction. Those who deny the message of Allah’s Messenger, their destination will be the fire.
( فَلَا تَكُ فِي مِرْيَةٍ مِّنْهُ) (So be not in doubt about it): Allah (swt) says to His Messenger: Do not be in any doubt about that because your message and mission are based on clear evidence, common sense, guidance, and light. The witness is with you, just as what was stated in the book of Musa (PBUH) testified to you before.
( إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ) (Indeed, it is the truth from your Lord): The truth, as we said previously, is the constant thing that does not change or undergo any change, and this truth can only come from a Lord whose actions are consistent.
( وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ) (but most of the people do not believe): These people do not believe stubbornly; because the evidence is based on the strongest arguments, so whoever refuses to accept it, is obstinate.