their necks, the shackles raised their chins and heads upwards, like camels holding their heads high.”

If it is asked, “How does this resemble the heart being barred from guidance and faith?” the answer is: the resemblance is most apt and clear. When a shackle encircles the neck and the hand is bound to it, it prevents the hand from moving freely or grasping anything. If it is broad enough to fill the space around the neck and reach the chin, it prevents the head from being lowered, forcing its wearer to hold his head erect, unable to move it. His following words further emphasize this meaning of restraint:

[Surah Yā Sīn (36): verse 9]
“And We have placed a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and covered them, so they cannot see.” (9)

Ibn ‘Abbās said: “He prevented them from guidance in accordance with His prior knowledge. The barrier He placed before them and behind them is what blocked their path to guidance.”

Thus, He—glorified be He—described the obstacles by which He prevented them from believing as a punishment for them, illustrating them with the finest and most eloquent likeness. This is their condition on a day when broad shackles reaching their chins have been placed around their necks, their hands have been bound to their necks, and they have been confined between two barriers through which they cannot pass. Their sight has been covered, so they see nothing.

If you reflect on the condition of a disbeliever who has recognized the truth and seen it clearly, yet then denies it, rejects it, and opposes it with the utmost hostility, you will find that this likeness fits him perfectly. He has been barred from faith just as the person described has been prevented from moving freely. And Allah is the One whose help is sought.