أَفَبِهٰذَا الحَديثِ أَنتُم مُدهِنونَ

What! Do you take lightly this discourse?

EXEGESIS

Not only is the Quran a ḥadīth (discourse, speech), but it is the best ḥadīth (39:23)^{‎[1]Tibyan, 9/511.} and it is the most truthful ḥadīth for it is from the most truthful speaker (4:87, 4:122).

Mudhinūn is from the root duhn, meaning oil and grease. The root involves an element of lenience and softness, as anointment is a means of softening a surface.^{‎[2]Tahqiq, under d-h-n.} Thus, the verse rebukes the disbelievers for trifling with such a great book and not taking it seriously.^{‎[3]Mizan, 19/138.} Verse 82 can be regarded as an interpretation and exposition of mudhinūn: you take this discourse lightly by your denial and contempt. This is how Ibn Abbas interpreted mudhinūn.^{‎[4]Tibyan, 9/511.} Another suggested meaning by some linguists is: why do you lack the required resolution and determination in accepting such a noble discourse? Why are you so slow and frivolous toward this book?^{‎[5]Qurtubi, 18/228.}

EXPOSITION

After describing the lofty qualities of the Quran and its exalted reality which No one touches it except the pure ones (verse 79), this cluster of verses refer the audience to their own judgement and conscience by asking a rhetorical question: is it reasonable that you take such a discourse and scripture lightly? Is it acceptable from you to disdain and disregard this book? Now that you are facing this treasure chest, do you want to simply turn away from it in denial and contempt? Is it wise to set rejection and defiance as your share of this noble book?

Taking the Quran lightly means refusing to be subject to any rule or law. This meaning is confirmed by the following verses, which speak about death and mankind’s utter submission and helplessness in its encounter. The disbelievers wanted to be free to do anything that they want to do: Rather, man desires to go on living viciously (75:5).

REVIEW OF TAFSĪR LITERATURE

Some of the early exegetes, followed by the later ones, have interpreted mudhinūn (taking the Quran lightly) as hypocrisy, showing lenience toward the disbelievers, or seeking a middle course between the two paths.^{‎[6]Tabrisi, 9/342; Kashif, 7/234.} However, these interpretations are unlikely given that these verses were revealed in Mecca, where hypocrisy was not a prevalent issue.

[1] Tibyan, 9/511.
[2] Tahqiq, under d-h-n.
[3] Mizan, 19/138.
[4] Tibyan, 9/511.
[5] Qurtubi, 18/228.
[6] Tabrisi, 9/342; Kashif, 7/234.