Al-Isrā’ 17:85
The verse
They are asking thee concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little. — Marmaduke Pickthall
The issue
A question was addressed to Muhammad concerning the spirit. He replied, “The spirit comes at the bidding of my Lord, and ye are given but a little knowledge thereof.” The details of this report are that a Jew suggested to the people of Mecca to verify Muhammad’s authenticity as a prophet by asking him about three issues: (1) the Fellows of the Cave, (2) Dhū al-Qarnayn, and (3) the spirit. When the people of Mecca asked Muhammad questions about these three issues, he replied that he would answer them the next day. After a time, he responded to them with this verse. In another report, it is said that a Jew questioned Muhammad in Medina, asking him about the spirit. Muhammad at first kept quiet but later brought this verse as a reply.
Question: Was Muhammad’s reply a bluff, a dodge, or a sincere inspired response?(For more information about the Fellows of the Cave and Dhū al-Qarnayn, see Q 18.)