Surah al-An`am (The Cattle) 6 : 158

Overview (Verse 158)

Further Warnings
 
More warnings are added to answer their demands for physical miracles in order to believe in God’s revelations. Similar warnings were given earlier in the sūrah where it addressed their denial of the faith altogether. Here the warnings are in relation to their denial of God’s law and the need to implement it in life. Earlier in the sūrah we read: “They say: ‘Why has not an angel been sent down to him?’ If We had sent down an angel, all would have been decided, and they would have been allowed no further respite.” (Verse 8) Here, at the end of the sūrah, the matter is clearly explained: “Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or for your Lord [Himself], or certain of your Lord’s signs to appear? On the day when certain of your Lord’s signs do appear, believing will be of no avail to any human being who did not believe before, or who did not put its faith to good uses. Say: Wait if you will; we too are waiting.” (Verse 158)
 
This is a very clear and decisive warning. It has always been God’s law that should a miracle been given and the unbelievers continue to reject the truth, they will inevitably be destroyed. Here, God tells them in plain terms that if only some of the signs they ask for were shown to them, they would be destroyed thereafter should they continue to disbelieve. They are further told that when some of God’s signs are shown, they spell the end that renders all subsequent actions futile. Accepting the faith should come before this, and should be translated into practical action. Good action is always associated with true faith, as it is, in the Islamic view, the practical translation of faith.
 
A number of reports suggest that what is meant by the phrase, ‘when certain of your Lord’s signs do appear’, (Verse 158), is certain signs of the Day of Judgement, the appearance of which renders the acceptance of the faith and doing good works of no avail. Some scholars even mention some particular signs of the Day of Judgement. However, it is better to interpret this verse according to God’s law that operates in this life. A similar warning was given earlier in the sūrah: “They say: ‘Why has not an angel been sent down to him?’ If We had sent down an angel, all would have been decided, and they would have been allowed no further respite.” (Verse 8)
 
It should be noted that the sūrah repeats what it has said within the context of faith and belief when it speaks about God’s sovereignty and law. This is clearly seen and intentionally used to emphasize a particular fact. Hence, it is better to interpret the statements that occur here at the end of the sūrah in the same light as those which occur at its beginning, reading them as referring to the laws of nature God has set in operation. This is sufficient to understand the Qur’ānic statements without having to resort to something that we cannot fathom because it is beyond the reach of our perception.