• Since the true substance of this ruling can be appreciated only by those endowed with mature intellects, He said: “And in legal retaliation there is life for you, O people of understanding, so that you may be God-fearing” (Quran 2:179). This shows that Allah loves His servants to exercise their minds and reflect on the wisdom and benefits embedded in His commands—proofs of His perfection, the perfection of His wisdom, praise, justice, and all-encompassing mercy. Whoever attains this quality is worthy of commendation as one of the people of insight to whom the verse is addressed—and that alone is an ample honor and distinction.

• The phrase “so that you may be God-fearing” teaches that whoever comes to know his Lord and perceives the profound secrets, exquisite wisdom, and lofty signs contained in His religion and law will inevitably submit to Allah’s command and yield to His legislation in obedience to Allah and His Messenger.