Part 1 · Page 308
The Jews Ask about the Limits of Knowledge
English rendering of the source section
Local English translation from the Arabic text; Qur’anic citations and editorial explanations are distinguished.
This local English rendering may condense the Arabic narration and editorial notes. It is not a complete published English edition. Consult the Arabic source for exact wording and context.
Read the corresponding Arabic sectionA report from Ibn ‘Abbas says that Jewish scholars in Medina asked whether “you have been given only a little knowledge” referred to them or to Quraysh. The Messenger replied, “Both.” They pointed to the Torah’s claim to explain all things. He said that, in relation to Allah’s knowledge, what they knew was little, even if it would suffice them were they to act by it. The account cites Qur’an 31:27: even if every tree on earth were pens and the sea, replenished by seven seas, were ink, Allah’s words would not be exhausted.
The commentary preserves disagreement about the application of the verse on limited knowledge and discusses scholarly views on personal names and kunyas.