The Best Disputation

The verse under discussion is an example of “the best disputation” (jadal aḥsan):(415) “Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.” The sign and miracle itself is God’s conclusive proof; meaning that while someone might not believe, they cannot turn away from the miracle or raise scientific objections to it, because even those who have not accepted the existence of God but possess a pure nature and sound heart have submitted to miracles and accepted them, and miracles have served as a kind of proof for them. However, the obstinate, stubborn, and those with diseased hearts will not believe even if they see any miracle:

“Even if you were to bring those who were given the Book every sign, they would not follow your direction”(416)

God has said about their arrogant spirit: They want to be miracle-workers like the Prophet (s.a.w.) and say they will never believe unless the revelation and angel that descended upon God’s messengers descends upon them too:

“Even if We had sent down angels to them, and the dead had spoken to them, and We had gathered before them all things manifestly, they would not believe unless God wished. But most of them are ignorant”(417) “And when a sign comes to them, they say, ‘We will not believe until we are given the like of what was given to God’s messengers.’ God knows best where to place His messengership…”(418)

And God finally says to His Prophet about them:

“…and warn with it a disputatious lot”(419)

Regarding those who have accepted the fundamental principles of God, revelation, and messengership, God says that since you have accepted these foundations, you must also accept these branches, and this is the best disputation, because it uses true premises that the addressee accepts. The Children of Israel accepted the Abrahamic prophets (a.s.) and believed in Moses (a.s.) with all his miracles, therefore they cannot ignore the fundamental miracle of Jesus (a.s.). Thus God, through Jesus (a.s.), says to them: “if you are believers”; meaning if you believe in God, God’s permission, the principle of ontological authority (wilāyat takwīnī), and miracles, these matters are also miracles.