Al-Māwardī also reported that it means mā. Here mā is a nominalizing particle used in a temporal sense: that is, “Remind for as long as it benefits—as long as it continues to benefit.” Its meaning is close to that of the conditional particle. But if anyone supposes that it is a negative particle, this is plainly mistaken. Allah does not deny that reminders are beneficial altogether, for He says:

“So turn away from them, for you are not to blame. And remind, for the reminder benefits”

—then He says, “the believers.” … (1).

It is reported from … (2) that “So remind, if the reminder benefits” means “if the reminder meets with acceptance.” Muqātil explained it as: “So remind, for the reminder has indeed benefited.”

Another interpretation is: “Remind if the reminder benefits, and even if it does not.” This was the view of a group, beginning with al-Farrāʾ, whom several others followed, including al-Nahhās, al-Zahrāwī, al-Wāhidī and al-Baghawī. The latter mentioned no other interpretation.

They said that the second case was simply left unstated, as in His words, “garments to protect you from the heat,” where He meant both heat and cold. They offered this interpretation because they knew that he was obliged to convey the message to all people and remind them, whether they believed or disbelieved. Thus the obligation to remind was not confined to those whom