Surah al-Baqarah

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

[Surah al-Baqarah (2): verse 7]

“Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and their hearing, and over their eyes is a covering. And for them is a great punishment.” (7)

Regarding “sealing,” al-Azharī said: “Its original meaning is covering. To ‘seal’ seed in the ground means to cover it.” Abū Ishāq said: “In Arabic, sealing and imprinting have the same meaning: covering something and securing it so that nothing can enter it. Thus Allah Most High says: ‘Or are there locks upon their hearts?’ (47:24). Likewise, He says: ‘And Allah has imprinted a seal upon their hearts’ (2:94 and 16:108).”

I say: Sealing and imprinting share the meaning just mentioned, but differ in another respect: imprinting is a sealing that becomes an ingrained disposition and part of one’s nature. It is therefore an enduring effect that does not pass away.

As for disease:

[Surah al-Baqarah (2): verse 10]

“In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease. And for them is a painful punishment because they used to lie.” (10)

He also says:

“Do not be soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should feel desire.” (33:32)

And He says:

“And that those who were given the Scripture and the believers may not doubt, and that those in whose hearts is a disease and the disbelievers may say, ‘What does Allah intend by this example?’” (74:31)

Disease of the heart is its departure from soundness and balance. For a sound heart is