Overview (Verses 20 - 25)

Unfailing Reward
 
There then follows an expression of wonder at those who persist in their denial of the faith when they have all these signs and all this abundant evidence within themselves and in the world at large which indicates the truth: “Why then do they not accept the faith?” Or, “when the Qur’an is read to them, they do not fall down in prostration?” (Verses 20-21) Indeed, why do they not accept the faith? There are numerous indications in the universe and within the soul which point out that the path of faith is the right path. They are at once numerous, profound and powerful, so they besiege the heart if it tries to run away from them. But if someone listens to them, then they address him in a friendly and affectionate way.
 
The Qur’an addresses them in the language of pure human nature. It opens the heart to the truth and points out its evidence both within themselves and over the horizon. It kindles in people’s hearts God-consciousness, humbleness, obedience and submission to the Creator of the universe. The expression, “fall down in prostration,” refers to these feelings. The universe is splendid and inspiring: it offers a multitude of signs, mental stimuli and moments of purity which combine to arouse in us a ready response and a willing submission. The Qur’an is also superb and inspiring; it links the human heart with the splendid universe and, consequently, with the Creator who made it. It gives us a feeling of truth about the universe which also demonstrates the truth of creation and the Creator. Hence the wonder: “Why then do they not accept the faith? Or, when the Qur’an is read to them, they do not fall down in prostration?” (Verses 20-21)
 
It is indeed amazing, but the Qur’an does not dwell on this for long. It proceeds to describe the behaviour of the unbelievers and the end which awaits them. “But the unbelievers persist in rejecting [the truth], yet God knows very well what they are hiding. So give them the tidings of a grievous suffering.” (Verses 22-24) The unbelievers shout, ‘lies’, but the object of their denunciation as lies is unspecified. In Arabic, omission of the object serves to widen the scope of reference for the verb. Thus, here we understand that the denunciation as lies is an entrenched habit and a characteristic of unbelievers. But God is fully aware of the evil they conceal in their hearts and He knows perfectly well their motives for denouncing the truth.
 
The surah then halts its discussion of their state and addresses God’s Messenger: “So give them the tidings of a grievous suffering,” an unpleasant tiding for anyone who is awaiting news of his future.
 
At the same time the surah describes what awaits the believers who prepare for their future by good deeds. This description is made in the form of an exception from what awaits the unbelievers: “except for those who believe and do good deeds; for theirs is an unfailing reward.” (Verse 25) This type of exception is known in Arabic linguistics as “unrelated exception”. The believers, not originally among the recipients of the gloomy news, are then excepted from it. This form of expression serves to draw attention to what follows. The unfailing recompense is one which is continuous and unceasing, and will be given in the hereafter, when people will be immortal. On this decisive note the surah ends. It is a surah of short yet immensely powerful verses.

Overview (Verses 20 - 25)

Unfailing Reward
 
There then follows an expression of wonder at those who persist in their denial of the faith when they have all these signs and all this abundant evidence within themselves and in the world at large which indicates the truth: “Why then do they not accept the faith?” Or, “when the Qur’an is read to them, they do not fall down in prostration?” (Verses 20-21) Indeed, why do they not accept the faith? There are numerous indications in the universe and within the soul which point out that the path of faith is the right path. They are at once numerous, profound and powerful, so they besiege the heart if it tries to run away from them. But if someone listens to them, then they address him in a friendly and affectionate way.
 
The Qur’an addresses them in the language of pure human nature. It opens the heart to the truth and points out its evidence both within themselves and over the horizon. It kindles in people’s hearts God-consciousness, humbleness, obedience and submission to the Creator of the universe. The expression, “fall down in prostration,” refers to these feelings. The universe is splendid and inspiring: it offers a multitude of signs, mental stimuli and moments of purity which combine to arouse in us a ready response and a willing submission. The Qur’an is also superb and inspiring; it links the human heart with the splendid universe and, consequently, with the Creator who made it. It gives us a feeling of truth about the universe which also demonstrates the truth of creation and the Creator. Hence the wonder: “Why then do they not accept the faith? Or, when the Qur’an is read to them, they do not fall down in prostration?” (Verses 20-21)
 
It is indeed amazing, but the Qur’an does not dwell on this for long. It proceeds to describe the behaviour of the unbelievers and the end which awaits them. “But the unbelievers persist in rejecting [the truth], yet God knows very well what they are hiding. So give them the tidings of a grievous suffering.” (Verses 22-24) The unbelievers shout, ‘lies’, but the object of their denunciation as lies is unspecified. In Arabic, omission of the object serves to widen the scope of reference for the verb. Thus, here we understand that the denunciation as lies is an entrenched habit and a characteristic of unbelievers. But God is fully aware of the evil they conceal in their hearts and He knows perfectly well their motives for denouncing the truth.
 
The surah then halts its discussion of their state and addresses God’s Messenger: “So give them the tidings of a grievous suffering,” an unpleasant tiding for anyone who is awaiting news of his future.
 
At the same time the surah describes what awaits the believers who prepare for their future by good deeds. This description is made in the form of an exception from what awaits the unbelievers: “except for those who believe and do good deeds; for theirs is an unfailing reward.” (Verse 25) This type of exception is known in Arabic linguistics as “unrelated exception”. The believers, not originally among the recipients of the gloomy news, are then excepted from it. This form of expression serves to draw attention to what follows. The unfailing recompense is one which is continuous and unceasing, and will be given in the hereafter, when people will be immortal. On this decisive note the surah ends. It is a surah of short yet immensely powerful verses.