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To what extent is the mentioned interpretation of the sixth verse of Surat Ad-Duha, narrated from Abu Talib in Tafsir al-Razi, which Christians use as a point of contention, correct?

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A believer should stay away from doubts (shubuhat) and the platforms that propagate them. This is not cowardice, but rather an awareness of one's own limitations, because most people are not deeply rooted in knowledge to answer every doubt. Imam Ahmad narrated from Jabir ibn Abdullah that Umar ibn al-Khattab brought the Prophet a book he had acquired from the People of the Book. The Prophet became angry and said: “Are you bewildered by it, O son of al-Khattab? By the One in Whose hand is my soul, I have brought you a religion that is pure and white. Do not ask them about anything, for they may tell you a truth and you disbelieve it, or a falsehood and you believe it. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if Moses, peace be upon him, were alive, he would have no choice but to follow me.”

As for the story mentioned concerning Abu Talib and his seeing Muhammad, peace be upon him, it was mentioned by Al-Razi and has no verifiable chain of narration (isnad). No one else is known to have mentioned it. This story is not suitable as a doubt (shubha) for several reasons: 1. It does not have an authentic chain of narration that can be relied upon. 2. The story itself implies that Allah protected the Prophet from anyone seeing his noble body, as it says: “If there is a garment between me and him.” 3. The story shows the Prophet's modesty, peace be upon him, by his saying: “Turn your face away from me.”

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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