Surah Al An'aam Notes (35-39)

(35)And if their evasion is difficult for you, then if you are able to seek a tunnel into the earth or a stairway into the sky to bring them a sign, [then do so]. But if Allah had willed, He would have united them upon guidance. So never be of the ignorant.

(36)Only those who hear will respond. But the dead - Allah will resurrect them; then to Him they will be returned.

(6:35) Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn Abbas commented "If you were able to seek a tunnel and bring them an Ayah, or go up a ladder in the sky and bring better Ayah than what Allah has send, then do so". There were many signs of a Divine mission in Prophet's life and in the Message which he delivered. If these signs did not convince the unbelievers, then bringing other miracles to them is of no use. This incident occurred in the days before Hijrah when Prophet was eager that the message he is conveying be accepted by all.

(6:36) If people listen to truth sincerely and earnestly, they must believe; even if they are spiritually dead - Allah will by His grace revive it and they will come to Him, if they really try earnestly to understand.
The sincere will believe; but those whose hearts are dead will  not listen, yet they cannot escape being brought to the Judgement seat before him.

(37) And they say, "Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "Indeed, Allah is Able to send down a sign, but most of them do not know."

(38) And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.

(39) But those who deny Our verses are deaf and dumb within darknesses. Whomever Allah wills - He leaves astray; and whomever He wills - He puts him on a straight path.

(6:37) The idolaters ask for a miracle

Allah states that the idolaters used to proclaim, "Why does not (Muhammad) bring an ayah from his Lord," meaning a miracle of their choice. Certainly Allah is able to send a sign, But He decided out of His wisdom to delay that, because if he sends an Ayah of their liking and they still do not believe, this will hasten their punishment as with the previous nations.

(6:38) Meaning of Umam

Qatadah said, "Birds are an Ummah, Humans are an Ummah and Jinns are an Ummah - creation or species. Knowledge about all things is with Allah , and He never forgets any of His creatures, nor their sustenance, nor their affairs, whether these creatures live in the sea or land.
Abdur Razzak recorded that Abu Hurairah said about Allah's statement, " All creatures will be gathered on the Day of Judgement, birds, the beasts and all others. Allah's justice will be so perfect, that the sheep without horns will receive retribution from the horned sheep. Allah will then command them, 'Be dust! This is when the disbeliever will say, "Woe to me that I were dust!" And this was reported from the Prophet in the Hadith about the Trumpet.

(6:39) The disbelievers will be deaf and mute in darkness.

...deaf and dumb in darkness... due to their ignorance, little knowledge and minute comprehension. Their example is that of the deaf-mute who cannot hear nor speak, as well as being blinded by darkness. Therefore, how can such a person find guidance to the path or change the condition he is in.