In the Quran, a common pattern that we are presented with is that when people deviate from God’s guidance, He allows hardship or external forces to come upon them as a means to remind them of their covenant and guide them back to the straight path. This concept reflects God’s mercy and desire for people to repent and reform, using adversity as a means to draw people back to the straight path and back to God. This cycle is what is identified as the Sunnah of God (17:77, 33:62, 35:43, 40:85, and 48:23), where God punishes those who turn arrogant, and He rewards the ones who are reverent and believe.
[35:42] They swore by GOD solemnly that if a warner went to them, they would be better guided than a certain congregation! However, now that the warner did come to them, this only plunged them deeper into aversion.
[35:43] They resorted to arrogance on earth, and evil scheming, and the evil schemes only backfire on those who scheme them. Should they then expect anything but the fate of those who did the same things in the past? You will find that GOD’s Sunnah is never changeable; you will find that GOD’s Sunnah is immutable.
وَأَقْسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ لَئِن جَآءَهُمْ نَذِيرٌ لَّيَكُونُنَّ أَهْدَىٰ مِنْ إِحْدَى ٱلْأُمَمِ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ نَذِيرٌ مَّا زَادَهُمْ إِلَّا نُفُورًا
ٱسْتِكْبَارًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَكْرَ ٱلسَّيِّئِ وَلَا يَحِيقُ ٱلْمَكْرُ ٱلسَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِۦ فَهَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا سُنَّتَ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ فَلَن تَجِدَ لِسُنَّتِ ٱللَّهِ تَبْدِيلًا وَلَن تَجِدَ لِسُنَّتِ ٱللَّهِ تَحْوِيلًا
[40:82] Have they not roamed the earth and noted the consequences for those who preceded them? They used to be greater in number, greater in power, and possessed a greater legacy on earth. Yet, all their achievements did not help them in the least.
[40:83] When their messengers went to them with clear proofs, they rejoiced in the knowledge they had inherited, and the very things they ridiculed were the cause of their fall.
[40:84] Subsequently, when they saw our retribution they said, “Now we believe in GOD ALONE, and we now disbelieve in the idol worship that we used to practice.”
[40:85] Their belief then could not help them in the least, once they saw our retribution. Such is GOD’s Sunnah that has been established to deal with His creatures; the disbelievers are always doomed.
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَانُوٓا۟ أَكْثَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ قُوَّةً وَءَاثَارًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَمَآ أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ
فَلَمَّا جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُوا۟ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ
فَلَمَّا رَأَوْا۟ بَأْسَنَا قَالُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَحْدَهُۥ وَكَفَرْنَا بِمَا كُنَّا بِهِۦ مُشْرِكِينَ
فَلَمْ يَكُ يَنفَعُهُمْ إِيمَـٰنُهُمْ لَمَّا رَأَوْا۟ بَأْسَنَا سُنَّتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى قَدْ خَلَتْ فِى عِبَادِهِۦ وَخَسِرَ هُنَالِكَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ
[48:22] If the disbelievers ever fought you, they would turn around and flee. They have no Lord and Master; they have no helper.
[48:23] Such is GOD’s Sunnah throughout history, and you will find that GOD’s system is unchangeable.
وَلَوْ قَـٰتَلَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَوَلَّوُا۟ ٱلْأَدْبَـٰرَ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُونَ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا
سُنَّةَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَن تَجِدَ لِسُنَّةِ ٱللَّهِ تَبْدِيلًا
God’s System
The Quran informs us of God’s system and how previous nations faced punishment due to their persistent disobedience and rejection of prophets. For instance, the people of Noah, ‘Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh were all warned by their messengers but continued in arrogance and idolatry. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:37–39), it is stated:
[25:37] Similarly, when the people of Noah disbelieved the messengers, we drowned them, and we set them up as a sign for the people. We have prepared for the transgressors a painful retribution.
[25:38] Also ‘Ãd, Thamûd, the inhabitants of Al-Russ, and many generations between them.
[25:39] To each of these groups, we delivered sufficient examples, before we annihilated them.
وَقَوْمَ نُوحٍ لَّمَّا كَذَّبُوا۟ ٱلرُّسُلَ أَغْرَقْنَـٰهُمْ وَجَعَلْنَـٰهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ ءَايَةً وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
وَعَادًا وَثَمُودَا۟ وَأَصْحَـٰبَ ٱلرَّسِّ وَقُرُونًۢا بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ كَثِيرًا
وَكُلًّا ضَرَبْنَا لَهُ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلَ وَكُلًّا تَبَّرْنَا تَتْبِيرًا
These punishments were not arbitrary but were intended to serve as lessons for future generations, encouraging them to follow the guidance of God and avoid the same fate.
For example, the Quran describes various instances where the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il) faced consequences for deviating from God’s commandments. One prominent example is when they repeatedly disobeyed God and failed to fulfill their covenant. In Surah Al-Isra (17:4–7), it mentions that God warned the Israelites:
[17:4] We addressed the Children of Israel in the scripture: “You will commit gross evil on earth, twice. You are destined to fall into great heights of arrogance.
[17:5] “When the first time comes to pass, we will send against you servants of ours who possess great might, and they will invade your homes. This is a prophecy that must come to pass.
[17:6] “Afterwards, we will give you a turn over them, and will supply you with a lot of wealth and children; we will give you the upper hand.
[17:7] “If you work righteousness, you work righteousness for your own good, but if you commit evil you do so to your own detriment. Thus, when the second time comes to pass, they will defeat you and enter the mosque (masjid), just as they did the first time. They will wipe out all the gains you had accomplished.“
وَقَضَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لَتُفْسِدُنَّ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَرَّتَيْنِ وَلَتَعْلُنَّ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا
فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ أُولَىٰهُمَا بَعَثْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ عِبَادًا لَّنَآ أُو۟لِى بَأْسٍ شَدِيدٍ فَجَاسُوا۟ خِلَـٰلَ ٱلدِّيَارِ وَكَانَ وَعْدًا مَّفْعُولًا
ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَا لَكُمُ ٱلْكَرَّةَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَمْدَدْنَـٰكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍ وَبَنِينَ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ أَكْثَرَ نَفِيرًا
إِنْ أَحْسَنتُمْ أَحْسَنتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ وَإِنْ أَسَأْتُمْ فَلَهَا فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعْدُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لِيَسُـۥٓـُٔوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَلِيَدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْمَسْجِدَ كَمَا دَخَلُوهُ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَلِيُتَبِّرُوا۟ مَا عَلَوْا۟ تَتْبِيرًا
This passage highlights that God allowed powerful forces to invade and humble the Israelites as a direct consequence of their transgressions, intending to steer them back to His guidance.
One common mistake is to assume that the forces that God sends upon certain people must be righteous, but this is not the case. God can even use the unrighteous rebels as a tool in His system. Consider how God authorized His most rebellious creature, Satan, to be able to harm individuals who defy God’s commands.
[15:39] He (Satan) said, “My Lord, since You have willed that I go astray, I will surely entice them on earth; I will send them all astray.
[15:40] “Except those among Your worshipers who are devoted absolutely to You alone.”
[15:41] He (God) said, “This is a law that is inviolable.
[15:42] “You have no power over My servants. You only have power over the strayers who follow you.
قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأُزَيِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ
قَالَ هَـٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ عَلَىَّ مُسْتَقِيمٌ
إِنَّ عِبَادِى لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَـٰنٌ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ ٱلْغَاوِينَ
[17:63] He (God) said, “Then go; you (Satan) and those who follow you will end up in Hell as your requital; an equitable requital.
[17:64] “You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion.
قَالَ ٱذْهَبْ فَمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَآؤُكُمْ جَزَآءً مَّوْفُورًا
وَٱسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَـٰدِ وَعِدْهُمْ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا
Additionally, God informs us that everything serves Him willingly and unwillingly and that all are His servants.
[13:15] To GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and the evenings.
وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ طَوْعًا وَكَرْهًا وَظِلَـٰلُهُم بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ
[19:93] Every single one in the heavens and the earth is a servant of the Most Gracious.
إِن كُلُّ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّآ ءَاتِى ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ عَبْدًا
The Quran also speaks of trials and hardships as a means to turn people back to faith. In Surah Al-An’am (6:42–43), it is stated:
[6:42] We have sent (messengers) to communities before you, and we put them to the test through adversity and hardship, that they may implore.
[6:43] If only they implored when our test afflicted them! Instead, their hearts were hardened, and the devil adorned their works in their eyes.
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَمٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُم بِٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ
فَلَوْلَآ إِذْ جَآءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا۟ وَلَـٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
Here, God explains that adversity was sent to soften people’s hearts and encourage them to seek forgiveness and return to the path of righteousness.
The Quran also shows that God may even punish one of their leaders as an example for the rest of the people.
[23:62] We never burden any soul beyond its means, and we keep a record that utters the truth. No one will suffer injustice.
[23:63] Because their minds are oblivious to this, they commit works that do not conform with this; their works are evil.
[23:64] Then, when we requite their leaders with retribution, they complain.
وَلَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا وَلَدَيْنَا كِتَـٰبٌ يَنطِقُ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
بَلْ قُلُوبُهُمْ فِى غَمْرَةٍ مِّنْ هَـٰذَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْمَـٰلٌ مِّن دُونِ ذَٰلِكَ هُمْ لَهَا عَـٰمِلُونَ
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَخَذْنَا مُتْرَفِيهِم بِٱلْعَذَابِ إِذَا هُمْ يَجْـَٔرُونَ
In Surah Al-Qasas (28:76–81), another example of this can be seen in the fate of the wealthy Qaroon who was utilized as a warning to the rest of the people. His punishment came because he strayed from humility and faithfulness, and his downfall served as a lesson to others to remain humble and obedient to God.
[28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses’ people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, “Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant.
[28:77] “Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors.”
[28:78] He said, “I attained all this because of my own cleverness.” Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.
[28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, “Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate.”
[28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, “Woe to you, GOD’s recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life.” None attains this except the steadfast.
[28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner.
[28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, “Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD’s grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.”
[28:83] We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.
[28:84] Whoever works righteousness receives a far better reward. As for those who commit sins, the retribution for their sins is precisely equivalent to their works.
The Quran informs us that punitive actions are meant as merciful reminders from God to guide people back. Surah As-Sajda (32:21) states,
[32:21] We let them taste the smaller retribution (of this world), before they incur the greater retribution (of the Hereafter), that they may (take a hint and) reform.
وَلَنُذِيقَنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْأَدْنَىٰ دُونَ ٱلْعَذَابِ ٱلْأَكْبَرِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
This verse illustrates that temporary hardships are sent by God to bring people to repentance before facing the ultimate judgment, demonstrating God’s patience and mercy.
These examples from the Quran highlight the principle that God uses hardship, punishment, or external forces as mechanisms to redirect His people to the straight path when they go astray. These instances serve as powerful reminders for the faithful, encouraging them to adhere to God’s guidance and avoid repeating the errors of those who came before.
Great Blessings Come with Great Responsibility
Those communities that have been blessed by God by receiving prophets and messengers often make the mistake of believing they have God’s unconditional love. However, while these favors are indeed immense blessings, they also come with significant responsibility.
[5:18] The Jews and the Christians said, “We are GOD’s children and His beloved.” Say, “Why then does He punish you for your sins? You are just humans like the other humans He created.” He forgives whomever He wills and punishes whomever He wills. To GOD belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, and to Him is the final destiny.
وَقَالَتِ ٱلْيَهُودُ وَٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ نَحْنُ أَبْنَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱللَّهِ وَأَحِبَّـٰٓؤُهُۥ قُلْ فَلِمَ يُعَذِّبُكُم بِذُنُوبِكُم بَلْ أَنتُم بَشَرٌ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقَ يَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَآءُ وَلِلَّهِ مُلْكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
In another passage, Jesus’s disciples ask him for one last sign, and God informs them that He will give them what they ask for. However, if any of them disbelieve after this, their retribution will be horrendous.
[5:112] Recall that the disciples said, “O Jesus, son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a feast from the sky?” He said, “You should reverence GOD, if you are believers.”
[5:113] They said, “We wish to eat from it, and to reassure our hearts, and to know for sure that you have told us the truth. We will serve as witnesses thereof.”
[5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider.”
[5:115] GOD said, “I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else.”
إِذْ قَالَ ٱلْحَوَارِيُّونَ يَـٰعِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ هَلْ يَسْتَطِيعُ رَبُّكَ أَن يُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ قَالَ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
قَالُوا۟ نُرِيدُ أَن نَّأْكُلَ مِنْهَا وَتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُنَا وَنَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا وَنَكُونَ عَلَيْهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ
قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ ٱللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَآ أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَءَاخِرِنَا وَءَايَةً مِّنكَ وَٱرْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ
قَالَ ٱللَّهُ إِنِّى مُنَزِّلُهَا عَلَيْكُمْ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بَعْدُ مِنكُمْ فَإِنِّىٓ أُعَذِّبُهُۥ عَذَابًا لَّآ أُعَذِّبُهُۥٓ أَحَدًا مِّنَ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
Lesson From the Previous Scriptures
Throughout the Old Testament, we see the same common theme where God allowed foreign forces to rise against the Israelites in response to their disobedience, particularly when they turned to idolatry or ignored His commandments. These events served as both judgment and a call for repentance, with God often delivering them once they turned back to Him.
Assyrian Invasion of Israel (Northern Kingdom)
Due to Israel’s persistent idolatry and disregard for God’s laws, God allowed the Assyrian empire to conquer them. This exile and dispersal are detailed in 2 Kings 17:5–23:
“The king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched against Samaria and laid siege to it for three years… All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God… They worshiped other gods.” (2 Kings 17:5–7)
Babylonian Captivity of Judah
The people of Judah continued in idolatry despite warnings from prophets, so God permitted the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, to invade Jerusalem, destroy the temple, and take many into captivity. This is recounted in 2 Kings 24:10–20 and 2 Chronicles 36:15–20:
10 At that time the officers of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon advanced on Jerusalem and laid siege to it, 11 and Nebuchadnezzar himself came up to the city while his officers were besieging it. 12 Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his attendants, his nobles and his officials all surrendered to him. In the eighth year of the reign of the king of Babylon, he took Jehoiachin prisoner. 13 As the Lord had declared, Nebuchadnezzar removed the treasures from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace, and cut up the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the temple of the Lord. 14 He carried all Jerusalem into exile: all the officers and fighting men, and all the skilled workers and artisans—a total of ten thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left. 15 Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother, his wives, his officials and the prominent people of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also deported to Babylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men, strong and fit for war, and a thousand skilled workers and artisans. 17 He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. 18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. 19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. 20 It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. (2 Kings 24:10–20)
“The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again… But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words… until there was no remedy.” (2 Chronicles 36:15–16)
Midianite Oppression
In the period of the Judges, Israel’s idolatry led God to allow the Midianites to oppress them for seven years, devastating their land and impoverishing them. This account is found in Judges 6:1–6:
“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites… they cried out to the Lord for help.” (Judges 6:1, 6)
Philistine Domination During Samson’s Time
Israel’s evil led God to permit the Philistines to oppress them for forty years, setting the stage for Samson’s role as a judge. Judges 13:1 states:
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.” (Judges 13:1)
Aramean (Syrian) Attacks on Israel
King Jehoahaz’s idolatry provoked God to allow Aram (Syria) to oppress Israel continually. In 2 Kings 13:1–7, it is written:
“So the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram… But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion… they turned back to him.” (2 Kings 13:3, 23)
Moabite and Ammonite Oppression
Israel’s idolatry also led to eighteen years of oppression by the Moabites and Ammonites. Judges 10:6–8 records:
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths… because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him. He became angry with them; he sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites” (Judges 10:6–7)
Lessons From the Children of Israel
These passages emphasize a recurring theme: God’s response to Israel’s disobedience through foreign oppression, which often led to their repentance and eventual deliverance, showcasing God’s justice and mercy. This shows that being God’s supposed chosen people not only came with great blessings, such as receiving prophets and messengers but also a lot of responsibility. And if they did not uphold their covenant that they promised in their worship of God alone, then they were bound to suffer great hardship by losing God’s protection.
The foreign nations that God allowed to invade Israel were not morally superior or righteous; instead, they were often deeply corrupt and idolatrous themselves. However, God used these nations as instruments of judgment and discipline, intending to correct Israel’s path and lead them back to faithfulness. This principle is evident throughout Scripture, where God’s purposes are shown to transcend the immediate morality of the nations He permits to act as agents of discipline. Rather than endorsing the invaders’ behaviors, God allows them temporary power as part of His greater plan to guide His people back to Him.
For instance, in Habakkuk 1:5–7, God informs the prophet Habakkuk that He will use the Babylonians to discipline Judah. Although the Babylonians are described as “ruthless and impetuous” (Habakkuk 1:6), God allows them to rise to power to serve a divine purpose. Yet, God later assures that Babylon itself will face judgment for its cruelty and pride. Habakkuk 2:8 states, “Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you,” illustrating that God holds these nations accountable for their own sins even as they are used to correct Israel.
Another example is the Assyrian empire, which God permitted to invade the Northern Kingdom of Israel due to their persistent idolatry. In Isaiah 10:5–6, God refers to Assyria as “the rod of my anger” but clarifies that Assyria acts out of its own pride and ambition rather than any righteous intent. The passage says, “I send him against a godless nation… to seize loot and snatch plunder,” showing that Assyria is merely a tool in God’s hands. However, just a few verses later, in Isaiah 10:12, God declares that He will punish Assyria for “the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes,” underscoring that God disapproves of their motives and actions.
The book of Judges also illustrates this principle. Each time Israel turned to idolatry, God allowed oppressive foreign nations like the Midianites and Philistines to dominate them, not because these nations were righteous, but to prompt Israel to repent. In Judges 2:14–15, it is written, “In His anger against Israel the Lord gave them into the hands of raiders who plundered them… Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them.” These nations were not upholding divine standards; rather, God used them as a mechanism to remind Israel of their covenant obligations.
Thus, while these foreign forces were often powerful and fierce, they were ultimately flawed and subject to their own judgment. God’s use of these unrighteous nations reveals His sovereignty and His dedication to His covenant with Israel, using even the actions of the ungodly to call His people back to righteousness.
Muslims Have Abandonded God and the Quran
Throughout my entire adult life, I have seen Muslim countries perpetually suffering. They are invaded, oppressed, and appear to be in a constant state of chaos. When I was young and naive, I thought it was a sign of the end of times or a lesson in steadfastness, but later, I realized that this was not the case and found out the truth. The Muslim masses have abandoned God in favor of idol worship.
God gave Muslims the Quran, His final scripture to humanity, but they abandoned it in favor of fabricated traditions in the form of Hadith and Sunnah. They have forsaken the best Hadith—the Quran—and replaced it with invented traditions.
[39:23] GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD’s message. Such is GOD’s guidance; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them.
ٱللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَـٰبًا مُّتَشَـٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ
Additionally, they forgot God’s Sunnah in favor of the Sunnah of men. As a result, they have brought a curse upon themselves.
[45:6] These are GOD’s revelations that we recite to you truthfully. In which Hadith other than GOD and His revelations do they believe?
[45:7] Woe to every fabricator, guilty.
[45:8] The one who hears GOD’s revelations recited to him, then insists arrogantly on his way, as if he never heard them. Promise him a painful retribution.
(٦) تِلْكَ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱللَّهِ نَتْلُوهَا عَلَيْكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَبِأَىِّ حَدِيثٍۭ بَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ وَءَايَـٰتِهِۦ يُؤْمِنُونَ
(٧) وَيْلٌ لِّكُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ
(٨) يَسْمَعُ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ يُصِرُّ مُسْتَكْبِرًا كَأَن لَّمْ يَسْمَعْهَا فَبَشِّرْهُ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
A simple test to prove this point is to ask traditionalists if there is a single law of the Quran they uphold without distortion. In all my discussions, I have yet to hear a traditionalist show me even one law of the Quran they uphold without some form of alteration. Their traditions have caused them to modify every facet of the religion, and therefore, they fail to properly maintain even a single law of the Quran. Even the simple, straightforward commands they fail to uphold correctly.
God in the Quran informs us that the wudu (ablution) has just four steps, yet traditionalists have added many more steps to this sacred rite.
[5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe. If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands. GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ فَٱغْسِلُوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى ٱلْمَرَافِقِ وَٱمْسَحُوا۟ بِرُءُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى ٱلْكَعْبَيْنِ وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَٱطَّهَّرُوا۟ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَىٰٓ أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَآءَ أَحَدٌ مِّنكُم مِّنَ ٱلْغَآئِطِ أَوْ لَـٰمَسْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوا۟ مَآءً فَتَيَمَّمُوا۟ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَٱمْسَحُوا۟ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ مَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَـٰكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
The Quran imposes only four dietary prohibitions, and these are communicated in the most absolute way. Yet the Hadith contains a laundry list of foods that are prohibited and were never authorized by God or His messenger.
[6:145] Say, “I do not find in the revelations given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: (1) carrion, (2) running blood, (3) the meat of pigs, for it is contaminated, and (4) the meat of animals blasphemously dedicated to other than GOD.” If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then your Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
قُل لَّآ أَجِدُ فِى مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُۥٓ إِلَّآ أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُۥ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقًا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
The Quran says that the Salat and places of worship belong to God alone. However, the traditionalists insist on including the prophet and some even his companions, again clearly defying these straightforward commands.
[6:162] Say, “My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe.
(١٦٢) قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِى وَنُسُكِى وَمَحْيَاىَ وَمَمَاتِى لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
[72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD.
(١٨) وَأَنَّ ٱلْمَسَـٰجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا۟ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ أَحَدًا
Nearly fifty times the Quran mentions that the Shahadah is only to God alone, yet the traditionalists insist on including the name of the prophet in their Shahadah.
[3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.
شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمِ قَآئِمًۢا بِٱلْقِسْطِ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
[39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.
وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ ٱشْمَأَزَّتْ قُلُوبُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ
All this shows that the Muslims no longer follow the religion advocated by the prophet through the Quran but have fabricated their own religion and thus ended up worshiping the devil.
[36:60] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy?
[36:61] And that you shall worship Me alone? This is the right path.
أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمْ يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ
وَأَنِ ٱعْبُدُونِى هَـٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
This is because when individuals uphold any other law instead of what God commanded in His revelations, they end up setting up that other entity as a god besides God.
[6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.
وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ ٱسْمُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَفِسْقٌ وَإِنَّ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ لَيُوحُونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَوْلِيَآئِهِمْ لِيُجَـٰدِلُوكُمْ وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمُوهُمْ إِنَّكُمْ لَمُشْرِكُونَ
God informs us that He permitted human and jinn devils to fabricate these false narrations and thus test the people for what is in their hearts.
[6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications.
[6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّا شَيَـٰطِينَ ٱلْإِنسِ وَٱلْجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ ٱلْقَوْلِ غُرُورًا وَلَوْ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ فَذَرْهُمْ وَمَا يَفْتَرُونَ
وَلِتَصْغَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَفْـِٔدَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَلِيَرْضَوْهُ وَلِيَقْتَرِفُوا۟ مَا هُم مُّقْتَرِفُونَ
The Quran then informs us that true believers utilize the Quran as their only source or religious law.
[6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt.
[6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبْتَغِى حَكَمًا وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ إِلَيْكُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مُفَصَّلًا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُۥ مُنَزَّلٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْمُمْتَرِينَ
وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًا وَعَدْلًا لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
Following these verses the Quran gives the most profound warning against following the majority.
[6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess.
وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ
This sentiment is also echoed in Sura 12: Joseph (Yousuf), when we are informed that most people will not believe, and of those who do believe, most will not do so without committing idol worship.
[12:103] Most people, no matter what you do, will not believe.
(١٠٣) وَمَآ أَكْثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ
[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.
(١٠٦) وَمَا يُؤْمِنُ أَكْثَرُهُم بِٱللَّهِ إِلَّا وَهُم مُّشْرِكُونَ
The Quran also informs us that the individuals who fabricate lies and attribute them to God are the worst creatures.
[6:93] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD, or says, “I have received divine inspiration,” when no such inspiration was given to him, or says, “I can write the same as GOD’s revelations”? If only you could see the transgressors at the time of death! The angels extend their hands to them, saying, “Let go of your souls. Today, you have incurred a shameful retribution for saying about GOD other than the truth, and for being too arrogant to accept His revelations.
وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ قَالَ أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ وَلَمْ يُوحَ إِلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ وَمَنْ قَالَ سَأُنْزِلُ مِثْلَ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ فِي غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ بَاسِطُو أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُوا أَنْفُسَكُمُ الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَكُنْتُمْ عَنْ آيَاتِهِ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ
The Only Source of Law (Furqan) Is the Quran
The Quran contains the direct commands given by God Almighty to the Prophet. As a devout believer and strict follower of this divine message, the Prophet could not deviate from what he was commanded by God in the Quran. For example, when God commanded the prophet to marry the divorced wife of his adopted son, the prophet did not want to follow through with this command, but God ensured that this command was carried out. This informs us that neither tradition nor the prophet himself can override the commands of God given in the Quran.
[33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray.
[33:37] Recall that you said to the one who was blessed by GOD, and blessed by you, “Keep your wife and reverence GOD,” and you hid inside yourself what GOD wished to proclaim. Thus, you feared the people, when you were supposed to fear only GOD. When Zeid was completely through with his wife, we had you marry her, in order to establish the precedent that a man can marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. GOD’s commands shall be done.
وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥٓ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ ٱلْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَن يَعْصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلًا مُّبِينًا
وَإِذْ تَقُولُ لِلَّذِىٓ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَأَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْسِكْ عَلَيْكَ زَوْجَكَ وَٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ وَتُخْفِى فِى نَفْسِكَ مَا ٱللَّهُ مُبْدِيهِ وَتَخْشَى ٱلنَّاسَ وَٱللَّهُ أَحَقُّ أَن تَخْشَىٰهُ فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَـٰكَهَا لِكَىْ لَا يَكُونَ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ حَرَجٌ فِىٓ أَزْوَٰجِ أَدْعِيَآئِهِمْ إِذَا قَضَوْا۟ مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا وَكَانَ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ مَفْعُولًا
This concept is communicated in the strongest terms. Throughout the Quran, God swears by various things, such as the moon (74:32), the position of the stars (56:75), and the Day of Resurrection (75:1). Yet, the most all-encompassing oath in the Quran occurs in Surah Al-Haaqqah (69), where God swears by everything.
[69:38] I swear by what you see.
[69:39] And what you do not see.
(٣٨) فَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِمَا تُبْصِرُونَ
(٣٩) وَمَا لَا تُبْصِرُونَ
What is the reason for which God uses such a profound oath? The following verses reveal that God made this assurance to affirm the authenticity of the Quran as it was delivered by His messenger.
[69:40] This (Quran) is the utterance of an honorable messenger.
[69:41] Not the utterance of a poet; rarely do you believe.
[69:42] Nor the utterance of a soothsayer; rarely do you take heed.
[69:43] A revelation (tanzil) from the Lord of the universe.
(٤٠) إِنَّهُۥ لَقَوْلُ رَسُولٍ كَرِيمٍ
(٤١) وَمَا هُوَ بِقَوْلِ شَاعِرٍ قَلِيلًا مَّا تُؤْمِنُونَ
(٤٢) وَلَا بِقَوْلِ كَاهِنٍ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ
(٤٣) تَنزِيلٌ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
The word “Tanzil” ( تنْزيل ), used in Surah 69:43, confirms that the messenger’s utterance mentioned in verses 69:40-42 refers explicitly to the Quran. The verses then inform us that Muhammad was prohibited from uttering any other teachings besides the Quran.
[69:44] Had he uttered any other teachings.
[69:45] We would have punished him.
[69:46] We would have stopped the revelations to him.
[69:47] None of you could have helped him.
(٤٤) وَلَوْ تَقَوَّلَ عَلَيْنَا بَعْضَ ٱلْأَقَاوِيلِ
(٤٥) لَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُ بِٱلْيَمِينِ
(٤٦) ثُمَّ لَقَطَعْنَا مِنْهُ ٱلْوَتِينَ
(٤٧) فَمَا مِنكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ عَنْهُ حَـٰجِزِينَ
The Sura finishes with the following few verses affirming that despite this testimony of God, many will reject this fact.
[69:48] This is a reminder for the righteous.
[69:49] We know; some of you are rejectors.
[69:50] It is but sorrow for the disbelievers.
[69:51] It is the absolute truth.
[69:52] Therefore, you shall glorify the name of your Lord, Most Great.
(٤٨) وَإِنَّهُۥ لَتَذْكِرَةٌ لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
(٤٩) وَإِنَّا لَنَعْلَمُ أَنَّ مِنكُم مُّكَذِّبِينَ
(٥٠) وَإِنَّهُۥ لَحَسْرَةٌ عَلَى ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ
(٥١) وَإِنَّهُۥ لَحَقُّ ٱلْيَقِينِ
(٥٢) فَسَبِّحْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلْعَظِيمِ
This, in no uncertain terms, informs us that Muhammad could not have uttered any other religious teachings contrary to what God explicitly revealed to him in the Quran (Tanzil). However, traditionalists often assert that Hadith, passed down through chains of narration (isnad) and the science of evaluating narrators (ilm-al-Rijal), can override God’s verses.
[6:19] Say, “Whose testimony is the greatest?” Say, “GOD’s. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods beside GOD.” Say, “I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry.”
قُلْ أَىُّ شَىْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَـٰدَةً قُلِ ٱللَّهُ شَهِيدٌۢ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخْرَىٰ قُل لَّآ أَشْهَدُ قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَـٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ
This shows that the Muslim masses have outright abandoned the Quran, just like it was prophesied in the Quran.
[25:27] The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, “Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger.
[25:28] “Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend.
[25:29] “He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims.”
[25:30] The messenger said, “My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran.”
وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَىٰ يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَالَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا
يَاوَيْلَتَىٰ لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا
لَقَدْ أَضَلَّنِي عَنِ الذِّكْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَاءَنِي وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِلْإِنْسَانِ خَذُولًا
وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَارَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا
This is precisely why Muslims have faced, and will continue to face, suffering, humiliation, and defeat. However, God does not allow this out of spite but rather as a means for the reverent to take heed, reform, and return to worshiping God alone, and upholding the Quran as the sole source of religious law.
[4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient.
مَّا يَفْعَلُ ٱللَّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمْ إِن شَكَرْتُمْ وَءَامَنتُمْ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمًا
The Quran tells us that if they do this, they will be generously rewarded, and God will lift the curse that has been placed upon them.
[10:98] Any community that believes will surely be rewarded for believing. For example, the people of Jonah: when they believed, we relieved the humiliating retribution they had been suffering in this world, and we made them prosperous.
فَلَوْلَا كَانَتْ قَرْيَةٌ ءَامَنَتْ فَنَفَعَهَآ إِيمَـٰنُهَآ إِلَّا قَوْمَ يُونُسَ لَمَّآ ءَامَنُوا۟ كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْخِزْىِ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَتَّعْنَـٰهُمْ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
Such righteous believers will always be prosperous and be granted God’s protection.
[3:172] For those who respond to GOD and the messenger, despite the persecution they suffer, and maintain their good works, and lead a righteous life, a great reward.
[3:173] When the people say to them, “People have mobilized against you; you should fear them,” this only strengthens their faith and they say, “GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector.”
[3:174] They have deserved GOD’s blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD’s approval. GOD possesses infinite grace.
ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَجَابُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَآ أَصَابَهُمُ ٱلْقَرْحُ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا۟ لَكُمْ فَٱخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًا وَقَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
فَٱنقَلَبُوا۟ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَّمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوٓءٌ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ رِضْوَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ
Their fate will be determined by how they respond to this warning. Either they will revert from their straying and be admitted back into God’s graces or continue suffering defeat and humiliation, as this is God’s Sunnah that never changes.
[36:18] They said, “We consider you bad omens. Unless you refrain, we will surely stone you, or afflict you with painful retribution.”
[36:19] They said, “Your omen depends on your response, now that you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people.”
(١٨) قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا تَطَيَّرْنَا بِكُمْ لَئِن لَّمْ تَنتَهُوا۟ لَنَرْجُمَنَّكُمْ وَلَيَمَسَّنَّكُم مِّنَّا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
(١٩) قَالُوا۟ طَـٰٓئِرُكُم مَّعَكُمْ أَئِن ذُكِّرْتُم بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ مُّسْرِفُونَ
Many Muslims may get angry and hostile regarding this warning and will fail to take responsibility for their straying, but in the words of Abraham:
[6:81] “Why should I fear your idols? It is you who should be afraid, since you worship instead of GOD idols that are utterly powerless to help you. Which side is more deserving of security, if you know?”
وَكَيْفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشْرَكْتُمْ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمْ أَشْرَكْتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِۦ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَـٰنًا فَأَىُّ ٱلْفَرِيقَيْنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْأَمْنِ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Sadly, from my numerous conversations with traditionalists, I do not think there is much hope for the masses, but perhaps a few will take heed and return to the path of righteousness.
[23:62] We never burden any soul beyond its means, and we keep a record that utters the truth. No one will suffer injustice.
[23:63] Because their minds are oblivious to this, they commit works that do not conform with this; their works are evil.
[23:64] Then, when we requite their leaders with retribution, they complain.
[23:65] Do not complain now; you have given up all help from us.
[23:66] My proofs have been presented to you, but you turned back on your heels.
[23:67] You were too arrogant to accept them, and you defiantly disregarded them.
[23:68] Why do they not reflect upon this scripture? Do they not realize that they have received something never attained by their ancestors?
[23:69] Have they failed to recognize their messenger? Is this why they are disregarding him?
[23:70] Have they decided that he is crazy? Indeed, he has brought the truth to them, but most of them hate the truth.
[23:71] Indeed, if the truth conformed to their wishes, there would be chaos in the heavens and the earth; everything in them would be corrupted. We have given them their proof, but they are disregarding their proof.
[23:72] Are you asking them for a wage? Your Lord’s wage is far better. He is the best Provider.
[23:73] Most assuredly, you are inviting them to a straight path.
[23:74] Those who disbelieve in the Hereafter will surely deviate from the right path.
[23:75] Even when we showered them with mercy, and relieved their problems, they plunged deeper into transgression, and continued to blunder.
[23:76] Even when we afflicted them with retribution, they never turned to their Lord imploring.
[23:77] Subsequently, when we requited them with the severe retribution they had incurred, they were shocked.
[23:78] He is the One who granted you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains. Rarely are you appreciative.
[23:79] He is the One who established you on earth, and before Him you will be summoned.
[23:80] He is the One who controls life and death, and He is the One who alternates the night and day. Do you not understand?
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