2.38. SILENCE AND REFLECTION (continued)

God says

Behold, as for those who are bent on denying the truth – it is all one to them whether you [O Prophet] warn them or do not warn them: they will not believe. God has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and over their eyes is a veil;* and awesome suffering awaits them. – Q.2:6,7
*A reference to the natural law instituted by God, whereby a person who persistently adheres to false beliefs and refuses to listen to the voice of truth gradually loses the ability to perceive the truth, “so that finally, as it were, a seal is set upon his heart” (Raghib). Since it is God who has instituted all laws of nature – which, in their aggregate, are called sunnat Allah (“the way of God”) – this “sealing” is attributed to Him: but it is a consequence of man’s free choice and not an act of “predestination”. Similarly, the suffering which, in the life to come, is in store for those who during their life in this world have remained deaf and blind to the truth, is a natural consequence of their free choice – just as happiness in life to come is the natural consequence of man’s endeavour to righteousness and illumination. It is in this sense that Quranic references to God’s “reward” and “punishment” must be understood.

Prophet said

The wise and the foolish:
“A wise person is one who keeps a watch over his desires and passions, checks himself from that which is harmful and strives for that which will be of benefit after death; and a foolish person is one who submits to the cravings and desires of his self, and (then) ask God (for their fulfillment)”. – H: Tirmizi. N: Abu y‘ala bin Shaddad bin Aus.

Study next week, inshaAllah, verse 14:4: “God lets go astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills” as it needs to be clearly and correctly understood.