Page 41 - The Basic Concepts in the Qur’an

(Al-Anfal, 57)

Unbelievers, every now and then, confess their inherent lack of understanding of the
religion communicated to them. This is straightforwardly manifested in the verse
where the people of Midian dare to say to Shu’aib, “O Shu’aib! much of what you say
we do not understand! In fact, among us we see that you have no strength! Were it
not for your family, we should certainly have stoned you! for you have among us no
great position!”
(Hud, 91)
No man devoid of understanding can be guided to the true path, except by the will of

Allah. Allah states in the following verse:
Among them are some who (pretend to) listen to you: But can you make the deaf
hear, incapable as they are of understanding? And among them are some who look at
you : but can you guide the blind, bereft as they are of sight?
(Jonah, 42-43)

Consequently, those who turn to faith are solely those who are endowed with wisdom and
insight. Correspondingly, believers are under obligation to “call on Allah resting upon
conscious insight:”

Say “This is my way: Resting upon conscious insight accessible to reason, I am calling
(you alI) unto God—I and whosoever follows me.Glory to Allah! I am not of the
idolaters.
(Joseph, 108)

“Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs (to open your eyes): if any will see, it
will be for (the good of) his own soul; if any will be blind, it will be to his own (harm):
I am not (here) to watch over your doings.”
(Al-Anaam, 104)

Being deprived of insight and wisdom, unbelievers think it of benefit to themselves to
avoid any struggle in the way of Allah. With such an attitude, they commit themselves to
dwelling in Hell for all eternity:
Those who were left behind rejoiced in their inaction behind the back of the
messenger of Allah: they had no wish to strive and fight, with their wealth and their
persons, in the cause of Allah. They said, to each other, “Do not go forth to war in the
heat.” Say, “The fire of Hell is fiercer in heat.” If only they could understand!
(At-Tawba, 81)

When a Sura comes down, enjoining them to believe in Allah and to strive and fight
along with His Messenger, those with wealth and influence among them ask you for
exemption, and say: “Leave us (behind): we would rather be with those who sit (at
home).” They prefer to be with (the women), who remain behind (at home): their
hearts are sealed and so they do not understand.
(At-Tawba, 86-87)