Thus He made it clear that the final outcome is for the God-fearing. What befell both groups is known at times through hearing and the transmitted reports, and at other times through reason and reflection upon the traces they have left behind—just as He says about the inhabitants of the Fire:

“If only we had listened or used our reason, we would not have been among the companions of the Blaze.” ⦗Al-Mulk 10⦘

Likewise, Allah has set out the two paths in His statement:

“Allah will surely help those who help Him; indeed Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.” ⦗Al-Hajj 40⦘ (40)

“Those who, if We establish them in the land, establish prayer, give the prescribed alms, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; and to Allah belongs the outcome of all matters.” ⦗Al-Hajj 41⦘ (41)

Then He said:

“If they reject you, before them the people of Noah, ʿĀd, and Thamūd likewise rejected.” ⦗Al-Hajj 42⦘ (42)

“And the people of Abraham and the people of Lot,” ⦗Al-Hajj 43⦘ (43)

“and the inhabitants of Madyan; and Moses was also denied. I granted the disbelievers respite, then I seized them—so how severe was My reproof!” ⦗Al-Hajj 44⦘ (44)

“How many a town We have destroyed while it was doing wrong: now it lies fallen on its roofs; how many an abandoned well and an elevated palace!” ⦗Al-Hajj 45⦘ (45)

Then He said:

“Have they not traveled through the land so that hearts with which to reason or ears with which to listen might be theirs? For it is not the eyes that grow blind, but the hearts within the breasts.” ⦗Al-Hajj 46⦘