Allah subjected them to this trial (1)—a tribulation through which He expiates their sins (2) and elevates their ranks. They were jolted by the tremors (3) that overtook them, so that they became deserving of the highest stations (4).

Allah the Exalted says: “When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease said, ‘Allah and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion.’” (Q 33:12)

Exactly the same was said during this ordeal about the promises made to them by the heirs of the Prophetic legacy, the successors to the message-bearing caliphate, and the party of Allah who transmitted it—until these latter were granted the opportunity to follow the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, as the Exalted says: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” (Q 33:21)

As for the hypocrites, a warning concerning them has already been given.

Those in whose hearts is a disease, however, are mentioned repeatedly in this surah: here, and in His statement, “If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who spread alarming rumors in Madinah do not desist…” (Q 33:60), and in His statement, “so that he in whose heart is a disease may aspire…” (Q 33:32).

Elsewhere Allah also speaks of the sickness of the heart, saying: “In their hearts is a disease…”