Overview (Verses 7 - 10)
 
Addressing Human Nature
 
To appeal to human nature is a central part of the Qur’ānic approach. The Qur’ān utilizes the signs that are seen everywhere around us in the universe to point to God as the Lord Creator. God knows that these address human nature in a clear and telling way. The Qur’ān does not employ the argumentative style of later philosophers, for God knows that this does not appeal to people’s hearts. It remains instead within its area of cold reasoning which neither generates motivation nor contributes to building human life.
 
The proofs presented by the Qur’ān remain the most convincing to hearts and minds alike. The very existence of the universe, its harmonious movement, and whatever changes and transformations that take place in it — according to laws that were set in operation long before they were discovered by man — cannot be explained without acknowledging the existence of an able hand that controls it all. Those who dispute this fact do not offer any plausible alternative. They merely say that the universe has long existed with its operative laws, and that its existence does not need any explanation. Anyone who finds such argument acceptable or reasonable may please himself.
 
Such arguments were made in Europe when breaking away from the tyranny of the Church led people to deny God altogether. Now they are also said in our countries as a means of getting away from the practical implications of belief in God. Most people in the unbelieving communities of times gone by acknowledged God’s existence, but disputed His Lordship, as was the case in Arabian jāhiliyyah, where the Qur’ān made its first address to mankind. The Qur’ānic proof refuted their belief in God’s existence and His attributes, and demanded that they should take their beliefs to their natural conclusion and so acknowledge God’s Lordship. In other words the Qur’ān demanded that they submit to Him alone in laws and worship alike. The state of ignorance that prevails in our own time tries to rid itself of this powerful logic by denying God’s existence altogether.
 
What is strange is that even in countries claiming to be Islamic, this is promoted in a variety of ways under the guise of science. Thus we hear that what is ‘metaphysical’ has no place in ‘scientific’ methodology. Everything that is related to God is thus considered ‘metaphysical’. Those running away from God try to use this back door, only because they fear and try to deceive others. As for fear of God, this is a quality of which they are devoid. Nevertheless, the very existence of the universe and its meticulously accurate and harmonious systems remains a proof too strong for the unbelievers to face. Human nature, in heart, mind and soul, responds to this proof. The Qur’ānic approach addresses human nature as a whole in the broadest and most direct way. ‘Fire for their abode in requital for what they used to do.’ (Verse 8) This is a fitting end.
 
The believers by contrast realize that there is something much superior to this present life. Their deeds are righteous because their faith motivates them to obey God’s commands and expect His generous reward in the hereafter. These are the ones who ‘will be guided aright by their Lord by means of their faith.’ (Verse 9) Having faith establishes a relationship between them and God who guides them to do what is right. As a result of this guidance, their hearts are alive, fully aware of the straight path they have to follow. Their conscience is alert, directing them always to do what is good and what earns God’s pleasure. These are the ones who are admitted into heaven where ‘running waters will flow at their feet.’ (Verse 9) The reference here to running waters in heaven is at the same time a reference to water generally which is always associated with growth, fertility and life.
 
What are their preoccupations once in heaven? What do they wish for? They have no need for wealth, position, or personal gain. What God gives them is far better than any such concern which is in any case now behind them. Instead, their preoccupation, their top priority, is described as their ‘appeal’ or ‘call’ to glorify God in the beginning and praise Him in the end. In between times they greet one another and are greeted by the angels: “There they will call out: ‘Limitless are You in Your glory, God,’ and their greeting will be, Peace!’ Their call will conclude with the words: ‘All praise is due to God, the Lord of all the worlds!’” (Verse 10)
 
All the concerns and worries of this life are over. Its needs are no longer of any value. They enjoy an atmosphere of perfect bliss where God is praised and glorified. This is when man attains perfection.