Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 183

Explanatory Note

This serious and alarming threat was directed first of all at certain people in Makkah who denied God’s revelations, but Qur’ānic statements always go beyond the immediate occasion to have a more general import. It threatens these people because of their attitude towards the Muslim community, described here according to Islamic terminology as a nation or ummah. They are warned that they are only being given respite, and led on by a mighty scheme. This threat is followed by calling on them to use their hearts, eyes and ears, in order to spare themselves the fate of Hell. The Qur’ān also calls on them to reflect on the position of God’s Messenger who explains the truth to them and guides them to it, and to consider God’s dominion of the heavens and the earth and the indicators placed in this kingdom. It draws their attention to the fact that time passes and that their appointed hour is drawing near, while they remain unaware.