For a group among those who affirm the divine decree(1) said that mā here is used to form a verbal noun, and that the intended meaning is: “He created you and created your deeds.” This interpretation is extremely weak.
The correct view is that mā here means “that which,” and that the intended meaning is: “Allah created you(2) and the idols that you fashion.” This accords with the hadith of Hudhayfah, in which the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said(3): “Indeed, Allah created every craftsman and his handiwork.”(4)
For He(5) said:
“Do you worship what you carve, while Allah created you and what you make?”
[Surah al-Sāffāt: 95, 96]
Thus, He condemned them and reproached them for worshipping the idols they carved(6). He then stated that Allah created the worshipper, that which is worshipped, and that which is carved. He—Glorified is He—is the One who deserves to be worshipped.
Had the intended meaning been: “Allah created you
(1) Manuscript (‘A): “among those who affirm [the divine decree].”
(2) Manuscripts (A) and (B): “and that what is meant is: He created you.”
(3) The word *qāla* (“said”) is an addition in manuscript (‘A).
(4) The hadith is narrated from Hudhayfah—may Allah be pleased with him. Al-Albānī cited it in *Sahīh al-Jāmi' al-Saghīr* (2:116), quoting al-Suyūtī as follows: “Kh: al-Bukhārī in *Khalq Af'āl al-'Ibād*; K: al-Hākim in *al-Mustadrak*; and al-Bayhaqī in *al-Asmā' wa-l-Sifāt*, from Hudhayfah.” The hadith reads: “Indeed, Allah Most High is the Maker of every maker and his handiwork.” Al-Albānī noted that the wording in al-Hākim, Ibn Mandah, and others is “Creator.” He authenticated the hadith and referred to his discussion of it in *al-Ahādīth al-Sahīhah* (no. 1637): Ibn Mandah; al-Mahāmilī; ‘Ad.
The hadith appears in al-Bukhārī’s *Khalq Af'āl al-'Ibād*, p. 137, in the collection *'Aqā'id al-Salaf*. Ibn Kathīr cited it in his *Tafsīr*, al-Sha'b edition, 7:22; al-Suyūtī in *al-Durr al-Manthūr*, 5:279; al-Bayhaqī in *al-Asmā' wa-l-Sifāt*, p. 26, Matba'at al-Sa'ādah edition, 1358 AH; and al-Hākim in *al-Mustadrak*, 1:31–32. Al-Hākim said: “This hadith is sound according to Muslim’s criteria, although neither al-Bukhārī nor Muslim included it.” Al-Dhahabī concurred.
(5) Manuscripts (A) and (B): “For indeed He.”
(6) Manuscripts (A) and (B): “what they take [as gods].”