(85) “They ask you about the spirit. Say, ‘The spirit is of the command of my Lord, and you have been given only a little knowledge.’”

This contains a rebuke to those who ask questions merely out of obstinacy and a desire to confound, while neglecting to ask about what truly matters. Thus, they ask about the spirit, which is one of the hidden matters whose nature and reality not everyone can fully comprehend, even though they themselves possess inadequate knowledge of what people need to know.

Allah therefore commanded His Messenger to answer their question by saying: “Say, ‘The spirit is of the command of my Lord.’” That is, it is one of His creations, which He commanded to exist, and so it came into being. There is little benefit in asking about it when you lack knowledge of other matters as well.

This verse indicates that when a person is asked about something while another matter would be more appropriate for the questioner, he should refrain from answering and instead direct the questioner to what he needs and guide him to what will benefit him.