In this article of the contemplation series, I will share with you contemplation of some ayat (verses) that I came across from Surat Al-Kahf (Chapter 18). From 54 to 59; six verses but a shaking lesson to all of us. So, let’s review them together and see the great insights we can get from Allah’s words.
Contemplation: 54-59 Surat Al-Kahf
First Ayah: What Allah Did for Us And How We Responded
And We have certainly diversified in this Qur’ān for the people from every [kind of] example; but man has ever been, most of all, argumentative.(54)”
Allah reminds us how He sent down complete guidance for mankind. To answer our most pivotal questions, guide us in our lives and how the Quran has been filled with “every kind of example” needed by the people.
Examples are one of the best ways that we humans understand things, and as the One who created us knows us the best, he tells us that he filled his book with “every kind of example”, why?
That is so we can completely understand the utmost important thing in this life clearly.
Yet, what do we humans do? We responded to that by being the most argumentative and disputing!
If you look closely, you can see it can actually mean both: being the most argumentative of all creation, as well as being argumentative, is the most notable characteristic of man… even after everything has been explained and every example has been given!
Second Ayah: What Are The Human Arguments?
And nothing has prevented the people from believing when guidance came to them and from asking forgiveness of their Lord except to befall them the same fate of the ancients, or that the torment would confront them face to face.(55)”
This ayah has a really shocking lesson. And the most shocking thing about it is how it is so true!
The only reason people don’t believe is that they are waiting for the torment just like the predecessors, or that they hadn’t perished yet!
One thing that only obstructs those raising all these arguments even after receiving all kinds of examples as mentioned in the previous ayah is one thing only; that they haven’t been punished!
The only reason holding everyone back from belief can’t be any truer than them waiting to confront torment face to face! Only then will they believe!
Not only does the ayah describe the very essence of people’s disbelief, but also shines the light on its sheer absurdity.
Third Ayah: The Messengers And Those Who Oppose Them
We do not send the messengers except as deliverers of good news and warners. But the disbelievers argue in falsehood, ˹hoping˺ to discredit the truth with it, and make a mockery of My revelations and warnings. (56)”
The job of the Messengers isn’t to make the punishment come and befall the people, but only to warn them about it while also delivering the good promise from Allah for those who believe in Him and obey Him. That is their job.
And how do people respond to that? With mockery and arguing with falsehood!
As if any of that will actually change facts or the truth by even the slightest bit!
What this ayah shines the light on is how disbelievers are not concerned about “The truth” in the slightest!
They have no problem whatsoever in arguing from falsehood, and gathering all the arguments they can, even if it is falsehood and pure mockery just to stand up to the truth!
Fourth Ayah: The Epitome of Injustice
And who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord but turns away from them and forgets what his hands have put forth? Indeed, We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. And if you invite them to guidance – they will never be guided, then – ever.(57)”
The epitome of injustice is the injustice towards the One who gave you everything yet you have been the most ungrateful and unjust to Him.
This ayah comes to describe exactly that. What came before it described the case of those who stand up against the messengers. And this one comes to clearly describe how transgressive and unjust all of that is.
Also in reply to an argument a lot of people love to make: “How come anyone deserves to go to hellfire?”
What those people often forget is the original “weight” of the transgression that was done to deserve a punishment of such magnitude. And so, this ayah comes reminding us of how big of unjust it is to respond to all what Allah has given in such a way.
A perfect example; exactly like Allah said at the first ayah.
Fifth Ayah: The Mercy of the Most Merciful One (Al-Rahman)
And your Lord is the Forgiving, the possessor of mercy. If He were to impose blame upon them for what they earned, He would have hastened for them the punishment. Rather, for them is an appointment from which they will never find an escape. (58)”
Even after all of that, Allah still shows mercy? Yes.
Allah has been the Most Merciful to us all. He gives us all the guidance we need, and gives us every example in the Quran so that anyone sincerely seeking the truth can find it.
He is even delaying the punishment for those who are the epitome of injustice, giving them all, giving us all, a chance and time to return.
Yet, that time is not infinite. And Allah is the Most Just, exactly as He is the Most Merciful.
Sixth ayah: A Reminder of What Happened Before
And those cities – We destroyed them when they wronged, and We made for their destruction an appointed time.(59)”
As a conclusion and a reminder to shake out any delusions; comes this ayah.
It’s an admonition for those who are waiting for torment in order to actually believe, to clearly show them how Allah can fulfill justice and it is shown in those who came before us.
Where are they now? How did they end up?
They were given warning after warning and time as well. And in the end, the promise was fulfilled.
Allah explained that it is due to His Mercy that He is giving us time. Only due to His Mercy, not because any of our sins aren’t that significant!
It’s due to His Mercy.
And He has decreed that the time we are given to repent isn’t infinite.
Conclusion
So, after 54-59 Surat Al-Kahf contemplation, don’t be among those who fall into the delusion of security until their time runs out and then fall into ultimate despair!
Don’t be one of them.
Read the ayat again and see how deep and insightful they are. And after you know, decide and act on what you’ve known. And Always seek the aid and help of Allah, your Creator.
Reference:
Verses (18: 54-59) of Qur’an (English Interpretation of Meaning)
