The virtue to see is one of the greatest blessings of Allah. One just need to ponder over the life of the blind who live in a state of total darkness all along their lives, tumbling over obstructions and unsure of where they are going. But there is a category of people who despite being blessed with the ability to see are still blind - blind to the truth, and despite knowing the truth, follow the path that leads them to misfortunes and places that are abound by evil.
While the total blind cannot see, yet the windows to spirituality and their hearts are always wide open. And despite not seeing anything, they are enlightened spiritually and see the unseen through their hearts. But those who see the signs of truth remain oblivious of their presence and lead a derailed life, far away from the truth.
The 72nd verse of Surah Al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani Isra'il) of Quran is an important verse that speaks about spiritual blindness and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual insight and guidance. It warns that those who ignore or reject the truth in this life will face greater misguidance and blindness in the Hereafter, highlighting the serious consequences of spiritual neglect.
وَمَن كَانَ فِي هَٰذِهِۦٓ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ أَعۡمَىٰ وَأَضَلُّ سَبِيلٗا
(Wa man kāna fī hādhihi aʿmā fa-huwa fī al-ākhirati aʿmā wa-adallu sabīlā)
"And whoever is blind in this [life] will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way."
The above quoted verse follows the premise given in the 71st verse which says: "One day We shall summon every community by their leaders. Those who are given their records in their right hands will read their records. None shall be wronged by as much as a hair’s breadth."
This is a scene showing all creatures gathered together. Every group is called by the doctrine it followed in this life, or the messenger in whom it believed, or the leader it followed in this first life. It is called to be handed the record of its actions and the result that determines its reward in the life to come. Whoever is given his record in his right hand will be full of joy, reading through his record and looking carefully at its details. Such people are given their reward in full. Nothing is denied them, even though it may be no larger than a hair’s breadth. On the other hand, a person who chooses in this life to remain blind to all indications of guidance will be also blind to the way of goodness in the life to come. They will be even far more astray. The outcome they will suffer is well known. However, the sūrah portrays them in this overcrowded scene as blind, moving aimlessly, lacking a guide to lead them. They are left like this without a final abode mentioned for them. This is because the blindness and strayness in that difficult situation is a destiny to be avoided at all costs.
Let us analyze this verse and ponder over our decision to find the truth or fall into abyss of darkness forever:
Spiritual Blindness: The verse speaks about spiritual blindness, which refers to a person's inability or unwillingness to recognize the truth and guidance provided by Allah. This is different from physical blindness; it is a metaphor for lack of insight and faith.
Consequence in the Hereafter: The verse indicates that those who are spiritually blind in this world, who ignore or reject divine guidance, will remain blind in the Hereafter. This means they will face the consequences of their disbelief and misguidance in the afterlife.
Greater Misguidance: It further states that such individuals will not only be blind in the Hereafter but will also be even more astray. This emphasizes the severity of ignoring divine guidance and the compounded consequences in the afterlife.
In view of above explanation, let us ponder over the theme of this verse and what is expected of us after reading this verse:
Recognition of Truth: The verse urges individuals to seek and recognize the truth in this life. Accepting and following divine guidance is crucial for success in the Hereafter.
Accountability: It highlights the concept of accountability, where the state of one’s heart and actions in this life directly impacts their state in the Hereafter.
Guidance and Misguidance: The verse contrasts the state of being guided versus being astray, underscoring the importance of following the right path as laid out by Allah.
Qur'an shows the truth and indicates the path that leads to it. This verse if specially for the atheists who for the sake of fashion, deny existence of One True God and neglect the signs that if pondered upon seriously can lead one to God. It is these deniers of truth who are blind and unless they try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, they will be the utter losers in the life of the hereafter.
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, know that those who keep their eyes open and benefit from the signs of God will see their destination in the light of the full day and happily reach it without any obstruction. So let let us see the truth both visually by seeing the signs Allah has made for us, and also spiritually get enlightened with the Divine Wisdom contained in many such verses contained in Qur'an. Remember, we will be doubly responsible for not seeing the truth than the totally blind.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Please refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page Believers!! Beware of the Rules of the Divine Court on the Day of Judgement. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam.
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