Surah ar-Ra`d (The Thunder ) 13 : 31

Explanatory Note

The task the Prophet is sent to accomplish is to recite this remarkable Qur’ān to them. Had there been a divine writ with which mountains move, or the earth split asunder, or the dead made to speak, this Qur’ān would have had the necessary characteristics to achieve such supernatural phenomena. But this Qur’ān is meant to address the living who are accountable for their deeds. If they will not respond, then the believers may despair of their ever turning to God and submitting to Him. They should leave them alone until God’s threat to the unbelievers has come true.

The Qur’ān has done with those who received it and moulded themselves according to its teachings much more than moving mountains, cleaving the earth asunder or making the dead speak. In fact the miracles it achieved in and with these souls are much greater and more far-reaching in their effects on human life and indeed on the earth itself. Islam and Muslims have not only changed the course of history so often, but they have also changed all that is on the face of the earth.

The very nature of the Qur’ān, its address and expression, its treatment of its subject matter, the truth it outlines and its effect have overwhelming and penetrating power. This power is felt by everyone who appreciates and understands what is being said. Those who moulded themselves in accordance with its teachings moved what is more deeply entrenched than mountains, which is the history of nations and communities. They cut asunder what is far more solid than the earth, which is inflexible thought and rigid tradition. They were able to send life into what was more lifeless than the dead, which is communities that had been suffering under a long history of despotism. If we look at the change that was brought about in the life of the Arabs, and their complete and far-reaching transformation, with no apparent cause other than the effect of the Qur’ān and its method of remoulding hearts and souls, we realize that it is far greater than moving mountains, splitting the earth apart and sending life into what is dead.

It is He who chooses what to do and the tools for the situation. If after the revelation of the Qur’ān there remain people who are not touched by it, the believers should give up trying to inspire life into such hearts. They should leave the whole matter to God. Had He so wished, He would have created all people with a single tendency to believe in Him, just as He did with the angels. Alternatively, He would have brought about something that would force them to believe. But He has not willed either scenario, because He has created man to fulfil a particular task, and He — limitless is He in His glory — knows that its fulfilment requires that man is created with both tendencies. The believers, then, should leave them to God.

However, some disaster may befall them, causing them great harm and killing whoever is doomed to destruction. When it does, they are left in fear that a similar one may follow, destroying them altogether. It may touch certain hearts and give them life.

This is a reference to the promise God has given. He has delayed their judgement until that time. God's promise will certainly be fulfilled and they will receive whatever they have been promised.