Meaning

What is meant by "calling upon" their witnesses in this verse?

Answer

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr":

It means "seek help." (istiʿānah) [Al-Suddī, Al-Farrāʾ]
It means "seek urgent aid." (istighāthah) [Ibn Qutaybah]

Verses cited

2:23 Al-Baqarah وَإِن كُنتُمْ فِى رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُوا۟ بِسُورَةٍ مِّن مِّثْلِهِۦ وَٱدْعُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَكُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ If you have doubts about the revelation We have sent down to Our servant, then produce a single sura like it- enlist whatever supporters you have other than God- if you truly [think you can].

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