{"id":1163,"date":"2023-01-11T18:13:03","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T18:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/?p=1163"},"modified":"2023-01-11T19:14:38","modified_gmt":"2023-01-11T19:14:38","slug":"the-word-of-god-is-irrevocable-an-analysis-of-chapter-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/2023\/01\/11\/the-word-of-god-is-irrevocable-an-analysis-of-chapter-10\/","title":{"rendered":"The word of God is binding- An analysis of Chapter 10"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>alif l\u0101m r\u0101<\/em> Those are the proofs of the Wise Writ. <\/p>\n<cite>(10:1)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This chapter revolves around the fact that the words of God are binding. Once God pronounces a thing then it is and none can alter His words i.e. none can change what is to happen. The chapter starts out with addressing those who claim that Muhammad is an &#8220;obvious sorcerer&#8221; i.e. he is deceiving people. We shall see a similar allegation against Moses by Pharaoh and his council during his time and what happened to them.  The fact of the matter is that people were and are blind to the proofs of God since His word has come to effect upon them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Was it a wonder to men that We revealed to a man among them: \u201cWarn thou men, and bear thou glad tidings to those who heed warning, that they have a precedence of honour in the sight of their Lord\u201d? The false claimers of guidance say: \u201cThis is an obvious sorcerer.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:2)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Your Lord is God, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself upon the Throne, directing the matter. There is no intercessor save after His leave; that is God, your Lord, so serve Him. Will you then not take heed! Unto Him is your return all together \u2014 the promise of God in truth. He begins creation, then He repeats it that He might reward those who heed warning and do righteous deeds with equity. And those who ignore warning will have a drink of scalding water and a painful punishment for what they denied.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:3-4)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>God cites the proofs of His power to give credence to His word; the Promise that He will raise the dead on the Day of Judgment and reward each man for what he strove for in this life. Incidentally, the age old question as to what our purpose in life is answered in clear terms: to believe in God and to do righteous deeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>He it is that made the sun an illumination, and the moon a light; and He determined for it phases, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. God created that not save in truth; He sets out and details the proofs for people who know. In the alternation of night and day, and what God has created in the heavens and the earth, are proofs for people who are in prudent fear.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:5-6)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Further proofs of God&#8217;s power are in the two pairs: the sun and the moon. Throughout the Qur&#8217;an, God brings our attention to the pairs He created in all of His creation. The alternation of day and night &#8211; a pair &#8211; is a special proof for those who fear their encounter with their Lord on the Day of Judgment i.e. time is running out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Those who look not for the meeting with Us, and are pleased with the life of this world and are at rest therein, and those who are heedless of Our proofs, Those: their shelter is Hell for what they earned.<br>Those who heed warning and do righteous deeds: their Lord will guide them by their faith; there will flow beneath them rivers in the Gardens of Bliss. Their supplication therein will be: \u201cGlory be to Thee, O God!\u201d and their greeting therein will be: \u201cPeace!\u201d And the end of their supplication will be: \u201cPraise belongs to God, the Lord of All Creation!\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:7-10)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It does not matter what a man claims; if he is content with this life and heedless of God&#8217;s proofs in the Qur&#8217;an and all around him, then his shelter is the fire. Conversely, those who believe and do righteous deeds, their Lord will increase them in faith and guide them to the Gardens of Eternity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And were God to hasten for men the ill as they would hasten the good, their term would have been concluded for them. But We leave those who look not for the meeting with Us, wandering blindly in their inordinacy. And when affliction touches man, he calls to Us on his side, or sitting, or standing; but when We remove from him his affliction, he passes by as though he had not called to Us about an affliction which touched him; thus is made fair to the committers of excess what they do.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:11-12)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>God could have already have seized the unbelievers for their transgressions. But He has given them time to enjoy because of a word that has gone forth from Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>But the satan caused them to fall therefrom, and turned them out of what they were in; and We said: \u201cGet you all down, an enemy to one another; and for you in the earth are a dwelling-place and provision for a time.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(2:36)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Man calls to God at the time of distress fervently and when God removes his distress, he forgets God&#8217;s mercy upon him. He continues on his way not only by not being grateful to God, but by attributing partners to Him. In the case of the current generation, by attributing luck or one&#8217;s own craftiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And We destroyed the generations before you when they did wrong, and their messengers came to them with clear signs, but they were not to believe \u2014 thus reward We the lawbreaking people. Then We appointed you successors in the earth after them, that We might see how you will do.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:13-14)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Two question arise: Why did the generations before did not believe when their messengers came to them with clear signs? And what wrong did they commit that warranted their complete destruction? The answer follows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And when Our proofs are recited to them as clear signs, those who look not for the meeting with Us say: \u201cBring thou a Qur\u2019an other than this; or change thou it.\u201d Say thou: \u201cIt is not for me to change it of my own accord. I follow only what is revealed to me. I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous day.\u201d Say thou: \u201cHad God willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you; for I had tarried among you a lifetime before it.\u201d Will you then not use reason! Then who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about God, or denies His proofs? The lawbreakers are not successful.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:15-17)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The wrong that the generations before were doing was that they were denying His proofs. Similarly, the current generation is denying the proofs of God: in the case of the Christians and Jews, they are calling Muhammad a deceiver (that he invented the Qur&#8217;an) and in the case of the Muslims, they are circumventing the Qur&#8217;an by means of introducing a separate literature called the hadith in order to explain it. Thus, these &#8220;lawbreakers&#8221; will never believe even though the clear signs in the Qur&#8217;an have come to them. And the earlier generations were also doing wrong by inventing lies about God. And what were these lies they were inventing? The answer follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And they serve, besides God, what neither harms them nor benefits them; and they say: \u201cThese are our intercessors with God.\u201d Say thou: \u201cWould you inform God of what He knows not in the heavens or in the earth?\u201d Glory be to Him! And exalted is He above that to which they ascribe a partnership!<\/p>\n<cite>(10:18)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The earlier generations were inventing lies that their intercessors would help them. Similarly, the current generation invents the lie that Jesus or Muhammad will help them. However, God has already made known to them that &#8220;there is no intercessor save after His leave&#8221;. So do they still dare to inform God; the One who knows all? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And mankind was only one community, then they differed; and were it not for a word that preceded from thy Lord, it would have been concluded between them concerning that wherein they differ.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:19)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Mankind all believed in the One True God after the flood of Noah. However, they differed and were it not for God&#8217;s word (His proclamation), He would have already seized them for their transgressions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>It was said: \u201cO Noah: get thee down in peace from Us, and blessings upon thee and upon nations out of those with thee. And nations will We give enjoyment \u2014 then a painful punishment from Us will touch them.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(11:48)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And when We let men taste mercy after affliction has touched them, then have they a scheme concerning Our proofs. Say thou: \u201cGod is swifter in scheme!\u201d Our messengers write down what you scheme. He it is that lets you travel in the earth and the sea; when you have boarded ships and sailed by them with a good breeze and exulted thereat\u2013\u2013 A tempest wind came upon them, and the waves came on them from every side, and they thought they were encompassed therein; they called to God, sincere to Him in doctrine: \u201cIf Thou deliver us from this, we will be among the grateful!\u201d Then when He delivers them, they rebel in the earth without cause.) O mankind: your sectarian zealotry is but against yourselves, \u2014 the enjoyment of the life of this world \u2014 then to Us is your return and We will inform you of what you did.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:21-23)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Man denied God&#8217;s favor as we saw earlier when God cured him from sickness and he did not thank God, nor did he take heed. Similarly, when he is caught in a storm in the sea he calls to God alone forsaking his invented intercessors, but when God delivers him, he rebels on the earth. Keep in the mind this theme of drowning as three related examples will be narrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The likeness of the life of this world is but like water We send down from the sky, and the plants of the earth mingle with it, whereof men and cattle eat: when the earth has taken her decoration, and is made fair, and its people think they have power over it, Our command comes by night or by day, and We make it reaped as if it had not flourished the day before \u2014 thus do We set out and detail the proofs for people who reflect. And God calls to the Abode of Peace, and guides whom He wills to a straight path.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:24-25)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>We feel secure about our life when in reality is only one word of God and everything will perish. The life of this world is full of dangers whereas God calls us to the Abode of Peace or Security in the Hereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>For those who do good is the best and more; and there will cover their faces neither dust nor disgrace. Those are the companions of the Garden; therein they abide eternally.<br>And for those who earn evil deeds is a reward for evil by the like thereof; and disgrace will cover them \u2014 they will not have against God any defender \u2014 as if their faces were covered with pieces of darkening night. Those are the companions of the Fire; therein they abide eternally.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:26-27)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And the day We gather them all together, then will We say to those who ascribe a partnership: \u201cYour places \u2014 you and your partners!\u201d Then We will separate them, and their partners will say: \u201cIt was not us you served.<br>\u201cSufficient is God as witness between us and you; we were, of your service, unaware.\u201d<br>Thereupon will every soul prove what it did before; and they will be returned to God, their protector, the Truth; and strayed from them will be what they invented.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:28-30)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>On the Day of Judgment, God will command those who claimed that their intercessors would help them to put their claim to the test. Then, they will realize that what they had invented has deceived them. But they already knew that it was a falsehood since they forsook their intercessors when they were struck by a storm on the sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Say thou: \u201cWho provides for you from the heaven and the earth?\u201d If He who owns the hearing and the sight, and He who brings forth the living from the dead and brings forth the dead from the living, and He who directs the matter \u2014 then will they say: \u201cGod\u201d \u2014 then say thou: \u201cWill you then not be in prudent fear!\u201d For that is God, your Lord, the Truth; then what is there after the truth but error? How then are you diverted? Thus did the word of thy Lord become binding upon those who are perfidious, that they do not believe.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:31-33)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Say thou: \u201cIs there among your partners one that begins creation then repeats it?\u201d Say thou: \u201cGod begins creation then repeats it; how then are you deluded?\u201d Say thou: \u201cIs there among your partners one that guides to the truth?\u201d Say thou: \u201cGod guides to the truth; is then He who guides to the truth worthier to be followed, or he who guides not save he be guided? Then what ails you? How judge you?\u201d And most of them follow only assumption; assumption avails nothing against the truth. God knows what they do.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:34-36)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Muslims claim to follow Muhammad by following the <em>hadith<\/em>. Even if we ignore the fact that the <em>hadith <\/em>was written down centuries after Muhammad&#8217;s death by questionable people, God makes it very clear that it is the Qur&#8217;an (God&#8217;s word) that we are to follow. This is the best course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And this Qur\u2019an is not such as could be invented by other than God; but it is a confirmation of what is before it, and an exposition of the Writ about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of All Creation.<br>If they say: \u201cHe invented it,\u201d say thou: \u201cBring a s\u016brah the like thereof; and call whom you can besides God, if you be truthful.\u201d <\/p>\n<cite>(10:37-38)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If they claim that Muhammad invented the Qur&#8217;an i.e. he is a deceiver\/sorcerer, then they are told to bring a chapter like it and to call their witnesses attesting that is from God, but God has already attested that He sent it down with His knowledge. His testimony is the greatest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>But God bears witness to what He has sent down to thee: He sent it down with His knowledge; and the angels bear witness, but sufficient is God as witness.<\/p>\n<cite>(4:166)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The truth is, they have denied what they compassed not in knowledge, and whose interpretation has not yet come to them. Thus denied those before them. Then see thou how was the final outcome of the wrongdoers.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:39)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the destroyed generation earlier, who were wrongdoers, you deny the Qur&#8217;an without doing your due diligence. You have already been told about the the final end of those who did likewise, hopefully you might take heed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And among them is he who believes in it; and among them is he who believes not in it. And thy Lord best knows the workers of corruption.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:40)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And if they deny thee, then say thou: \u201cTo me be my work, and to you be your work; you are quit of what I do, and I am quit of what you do.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:41)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And among them are some who listen to thee \u2014 canst thou make the deaf to hear, though they do not reason? And among them is he who looks at thee \u2014 canst thou guide the blind when they do not see?<br>God wrongs not men in anything; but men wrong their souls.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:42-44)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who do not use their God given faculties wrong their own souls. God has given you hearing, sight and intelligence. But you do not listen, you only hear. You do not see, you only look. You do not use reason, you only follow your inclinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And the day He gathers them will be as if they had tarried only an hour of the day: they will recognise one another; those will have lost who denied the meeting with God and were not guided.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:45)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And whether We show thee some of what We promise them, or We take thee: to Us is their return; then is God witness over what they do. And for every community is a messenger; then when their messenger comes, it will be concluded between them with equity, and they will not be wronged.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:46-47)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The messenger of our generation, Muhammad, has already come and gone. We are living in the end of times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And they say: \u201cWhen is this promise, if you be truthful?\u201d Say thou: \u201cI have power to do myself neither harm nor benefit save that God should will.\u201d For every community is a term; when their term comes, then they will not defer an hour, nor will they advance. Say thou: \u201cHave you considered: if His punishment come to you by night or by day, what is there of it the lawbreakers will seek to hasten?\u201d Then is it, when it has befallen, you will believe in it? Now? When you had sought to hasten it? Then will it be said to those who did wrong: \u201cTaste the punishment of eternity!\u201d Are you to be rewarded save for what you earned?<\/p>\n<cite>(10:48-52)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Will you believe when the Day of Judgment arrives? What will be the point then? God has given you time to repent and reform. This addresses the infatuation within all religions for the signs of the Day of Judgment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And they ask thee to inform them: \u201cIs it true?\u201d Say thou: \u201cYea, by my Lord, it is true; and you cannot escape.\u201d And were there for each soul that did wrong all that is in the earth, it would seek to ransom itself thereby; and they cannot express the remorse when they see the punishment, and it is concluded between them with equity; and they will not be wronged.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:53-54)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In truth, to God belongs what is in the heavens and the earth. In truth, the promise of God is true; but most of them know not. He gives life and He gives death; and to Him will you be returned.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:55-56)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The word of God will take effect, the Judgment will befall.  We shall see the finality of God&#8217;s word in the story of Pharaoh later in the chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>O mankind: there has come to you an admonition from your Lord, and healing for what is in the breasts, and guidance, and a mercy for the believers.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:57)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Say thou: \u201cAt the bounty of God, and at His mercy: \u2014\u201d At that let them exult; it is better than what they amass. Say thou: \u201cHave you seen what God has sent down for you of provision, and you have made thereof lawful and unlawful?\u201d Say thou: \u201cDid God give you leave, or is it about God that you invent?\u201dAnd what will those who invent lies about God think on the Day of Resurrection? God is bountiful to mankind, but most of them are not grateful.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:58-60)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The earlier generations invented lies about God and you have seen what has happened to them. Will you declare what is allowed and forbidden, restricting men from accessing the bounty of God? All religions\/cults have made-up rules about what is allowed and forbidden. Certainly, the consumption of meat is being moved towards the forbidden realm by the environmentalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And thou art not in any matter, and thou recitest not from it any recital, and you do no deed save that We are over you witnesses when you are engaged therein; and there does not escape thy Lord the weight of an atom in the earth or in the heaven. Whether less than that, or greater, it is in a clear writ.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:61)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In truth, the allies of God: no fear will be upon them, nor will they grieve. Those who heed warning and are in prudent fear: For them are glad tidings in the life of this world and in the Hereafter: \u2014 there is no changing the words of God \u2014 that is the Great Achievement.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:62-64)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who heed warning i.e. repent and reform and fear God and the Last Day are allies of God, they have no fear in this life or the Hereafter. They have good news in this life and the Hereafter, that is the word of God which is binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And let not their speech grieve thee; power and glory belong to God altogether; He is the Hearing, the Knowing. In truth, to God belongs whoso is in the heavens and whoso is in the earth; and they follow \u2014 those who call to partners other than God \u2014 they follow only assumption; and they are only guessing.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:65-66)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>He it is that made for you the night wherein to rest, and the day, sight-giving; in that are proofs for people who hear.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:67)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>They say: \u201cGod has taken a son.\u201d Glory be to Him! He is the Free from Need; to Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is in the earth! You have no authority for this; do you ascribe to God what you know not? Say thou: \u201cThose who invent lies about God will not succeed.\u201d An enjoyment in the World, then to Us is their return; then will We let them taste the severe punishment because of what they denied.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:68-70)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And recite thou to them the report of Noah, when he said to his people: \u201cO my people: if my presence and my reminding you of the proofs of God be grievous to you, then in God have I placed my trust; so resolve upon your plan and your partners; then let not your plan be unclear to you; then move decisively against me, and grant me no respite. \u201cAnd if you turn away, then have I asked of you no reward; my reward is only upon God; and I have been commanded to be among those submitting.\u201d Then they denied him; so We delivered him, and those with him in the ship, and made them successors, and We drowned those who denied Our proofs. Then see thou how was the final outcome of those who had been warned!<\/p>\n<cite>(10:71-73)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>As I remarked earlier that the theme of drowning is important. In all three examples that are in this chapter, the characters were cast into the sea. In the case of the people of Noah, they denied the messenger Noah and God drowned them. In the case of Pharaoh, he was about to drown and then believed in God, but God did not save him. We shall see later why God did not save him. In the case of Jonah, he was cast into the sea and the the whale swallowed him up where he asked forgiveness of God and God delivered him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Then raised We up, after him, messengers to their people, and they came to them with clear signs; but they were not to believe in what they had denied before; thus do We seal the hearts of the transgressors.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:74)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a people deny God&#8217;s initial proofs, then his word becomes binding upon them i.e. God seals their hearts. We shall see an example of that in the drowning of Pharaoh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Then raised We up, after them, Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh and his eminent ones with Our proofs, but they had waxed proud; and they were a people of lawbreakers. And when the truth came to them from Us, they said: \u201cThis is obvious sorcery.\u201d Moses said: \u201cDo you say of the truth when it has come to you: \u2018Is this sorcery?\u2019 But the sorcerers will not be successful.\u201d They said: \u201cHast thou come to us to turn us away from that upon which we found our fathers, and that there be for you majesty in the land? And we do not believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:75-78)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Pharaoh and his Council were lawbreakers because they rejected the clear signs with which Moses came to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And Pharaoh said: \u201cBring to me every learned sorcerer.\u201d And when the sorcerers came, Moses said to them: \u201cCast what you will cast!\u201d And when they had cast, Moses said: \u201cWhat you have brought is sorcery; God will make it vain; God makes not right the work of the workers of corruption. \u201cAnd God establishes the truth by His words, though the lawbreakers be averse.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:79-82)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And there believed not Moses save a progeny of his people, for fear of Pharaoh and their eminent ones, that they would subject them to means of denial; and Pharaoh was exalted in the land, and he was of the committers of excess.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:83)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And Moses said: \u201cO my people: if you believe in God, then place your trust in Him, if you are submitting.\u201d And they said: \u201cIn God have we placed our trust.\u201d \u2014 \u201cOur Lord: make Thou not us a means of denial for the wrongdoing people, \u201cAnd deliver Thou us by Thy mercy from the people of the false claimers of guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:84-86)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And We instructed Moses and his brother: \u201cSettle your people in Egypt in houses, and make your houses a destination; and uphold the duty; and bear thou glad tidings to the believers.\u201d And Moses said: \u201cOur Lord: Thou hast given Pharaoh and his eminent ones adornment and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord, that they might lead astray from Thy path. Our Lord: destroy Thou their wealth, and harden Thou their hearts, so that they believe not until they see the painful punishment.\u201d He said: \u201cYour supplication has been answered; so take a straight path, and follow not the path of those who know not.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>(10:87-89)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>God answered the prayer of the children of Israel and Moses. He saved them from the wrongdoing people and He destroyed Pharaoh&#8217;s and his Council&#8217;s wealth, and sealed their hearts so they did not believe until they saw the punishment. God&#8217;s word is binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And We brought the children of Israel across the sea; and Pharaoh followed them with his forces in sectarian zealotry and enmity. When the drowning had overtaken him, he said: \u201cI believe there is no god save He in whom the children of Israel believe; and I am of those submitting.\u201d \u201cNow? And thou opposedst before, and wast of the workers of corruption? \u201cSo this day will We save thee in thy body, that thou be a proof to those after thee.\u201d But most among men are heedless of Our proofs.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:90-92)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>As Moses had asked for, Pharoah did not believe until he was about to drown where he then believed in God and submitted to Him. But the word of God is binding , God did not save him. He only saved his body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And We settled the children of Israel in a goodly settlement, and provided them with good things; and they differed not until knowledge came to them. Thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they differed.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:93)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And if thou art in doubt about what We have sent down to thee, then ask thou those who read the Writ before thee. The truth from thy Lord has come to thee, so be thou not of those who doubt.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:94)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And be thou not of those who deny the proofs of God, for thou wouldst be among the losers. Those upon whom the word of thy Lord has become binding, they will not believe. And though every proof come to them until they see the painful punishment[\u2026].<\/p>\n<cite>(10:95-97)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon those who deny God&#8217;s proofs initially, His word becomes binding. No matter what signs come to them  after that and &#8220;even if the dead were to speak to them&#8221;, they will not believe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Oh, that a city had but believed and profited by its faith save the people of Jonah! When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in the life of this world, and gave them enjoyment for a time.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:98)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>And had thy Lord willed, whoso is in the earth would have believed \u2014 all of them all together. Wouldst thou then compel mankind until they believe? And it is for a soul to believe only by the leave of God; and He appoints abomination for those who do not reason. Say thou: \u201cLook at what is in the heavens and the earth!\u201d But the proofs and the warnings avail not a people who do not believe.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:99-101)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It is God&#8217;s will who believes and who disbelieves. And upon whom God&#8217;s word becomes binding, they will not believe even though every proof comes to them. All the manifest proofs in the heavens and in the earth are of no use to a people who do not believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Do they await save the like of the days of those who passed away before them? Say thou: \u201cThen wait \u2014 I am with you waiting.\u201d Then will We save Our messengers, and those who heed warning; thus is it binding upon Us: We save the believers.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:102-103)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>As God has done before, He will do again; He will deliver the believers and destroy the unbelievers. His word is binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Say thou: \u201cO mankind: if you are in doubt about my doctrine: I serve not those whom you serve besides God; but I serve God, who will take you; and I am commanded to be of the believers; \u201cAnd: \u2018Set thou thy face towards the doctrine, inclining to truth; and be thou not of the idolaters; \u201c\u2018And call thou not, besides God, to what neither profits thee nor harms thee; for if thou dost, then art thou of the wrongdoers.\u2019\u201d And if God should touch thee with affliction, then is there none to remove it save He; and if He should desire good for thee, then is there none to repel His bounty: He causes it to fall upon whom He wills of His servants; and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:104-107)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the core of the doctrine of the religion revealed by God; to not associate anything with Him and to believe in Him and the last Day. We are to trust in God alone and call to Him alone. He alone has power to cause us benefit and harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Say thou: \u201cO mankind: the truth has come to you from your Lord; and whoso is guided, he is but guided for his soul; and whoso strays, he but strays against it; and I am not a guardian over you.\u201d And follow thou what is revealed to thee; and be thou patient until God judges; and He is the best of judges.<\/p>\n<cite>(10:108-109)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>So be patient for the word of God to come into effect, His promise is near. On that Day, God, the Supreme Judge, will decide the whole of the matter and He is the best of judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All translations are from <a href=\"https:\/\/reader.quranite.com\/\">The Qur&#8217;an: A Complete Revelation<\/a> by Sam Gerrans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>alif l\u0101m r\u0101 Those are the proofs of the Wise Writ. (10:1) This chapter revolves around the fact that the words of God are binding. Once God pronounces a thing then it is and none can alter His words i.e. none can change what is to happen. The chapter starts out with addressing those who &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/2023\/01\/11\/the-word-of-god-is-irrevocable-an-analysis-of-chapter-10\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;The word of God is binding- An analysis of Chapter 10&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1163"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1179,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1163\/revisions\/1179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}