Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 174

Explanatory Note

But God knows that human nature is likely to go astray when subjected to the pressures exercised by satans, whether human or jinn, who manipulate human weaknesses. He is fully aware that human beings can go far astray once they are set on the way to error. Hence, He has determined, out of His grace, not to hold them to account merely on the basis of this covenant with their nature or the reason He has given them to judge and evaluate matters. He has determined to send them messengers who are given plain revelations, and to make His signs clear so that human nature can be saved from the effects of pressure. In the same way, the human intellect is freed from the shackles of its weaknesses and desires. Had God’s knowledge shown that nature and reason were sufficient for people to follow the right path without sending them messengers and messages, He might have made these the basis of accountability. But God’s grace has dictated that this basis must be His message: “Thus We make plain Our revelations so that they may return [to the right path.” (Verse 174)

They may turn back to their nature and honour their covenant with God. When they operate the faculties of perception and understanding God has established within their souls and constitution, the reality of God’s oneness becomes so clear in their minds and causes them to adhere firmly to the faith based on that reality. Hence, we have to look on those messages and messengers sent by God as an aspect of His grace.