Overview (Verses 58 - 60)

No Change of Position

The sūrah then describes how the unbelievers persist in their ways, after having explained the fate of such persistent unbelief: We have set for people in this Qur’ān all sorts of illustrations. Yet if you present them with any sign, the unbelievers will say: you are but making false claims.’ Thus does God seal the hearts of those who do not want to know [the truth]. (Verses 58-59) There is a wide gap here in time and place, but it sounds in the sūrah as if it is ever so near; indeed both time and place have been rolled back. People are again reminded of what the Qur’ān provides by way of illustrations, modes of address, fine touches meant to alert minds and hearts, and inspiring images. They listen to it as it addresses every mind and heart in every social environment and speaks to the human soul in all its moods. Yet they continue to deny every sign. Nor do they stop at this, but rather insult those endowed with true knowledge describing them as making false assertions: “Yet if you present them with any sign, the unbelievers will say: you are but making false claims.” (Verse 58) The sūrah comments on their disbelief, saying: “Thus does God seal the hearts of those who do not want to know [the truth].” (Verse 59) It is in this way and for this reason that God seals their hearts. They are indeed blind, unable to see God’s signs, arrogant in their disbelief, unwilling to reflect. Hence, they deserve that God should seal their sight and their hearts.

The final note in the sūrah comes in the form of a directive to the Prophet and the believers: “Therefore persevere patiently. For certain, God’s promise will come true. So, let not the ones deprived of certainty trouble your mind.” (Verse 60)

Perseverance is the best policy for the believers as they go along their hard, long way that at times seems endless. They must remain confident of the fulfilment of God’s promise. This will enable them to remain steadfast, free of worry and doubt. Other people may hesitate, or deny the truth, or doubt that God’s promise will ever be fulfilled, because they have no true knowledge and lack the means of certainty. Believers, however, must persevere, remain steadfast and confident, even though their path may seem endless, and their goal seem concealed behind thick clouds.

Thus the sūrah that started with God’s promise to grant victory to the Byzantines within a few years, and give support and victory to the believers, now ends with the directive to persevere until God’s promise is fulfilled. Believers are instructed to remain steadfast in the face of all the unbelievers’ attempts to weaken their resolve. There is perfect harmony between the opening and the end. As it concludes, the lingering impression is that of a firm resolve and unshaken trust that God’s promise will be fulfilled.