(101) “their eyes were veiled from My remembrance.”

That is, they turned away from the Wise Reminder and the Noble Quran, saying, “Our hearts are enclosed against that to which you call us.” Their eyes were likewise covered by veils that prevented them from seeing Allah’s beneficial signs, as He Most High says: “And over their sight is a veil.”

“And they were unable to hear”—that is, they were incapable of listening to Allah’s signs that lead to faith because of their hatred for the Quran and the Messenger. One who hates another cannot lend an ear to the words of the one he hates. Thus, when the paths to knowledge and goodness were barred from them, they had (1) neither hearing nor sight, nor any sound reason. They disbelieved in Allah, denied His signs, and rejected His messengers; therefore, they deserved Hell—and how evil a destination it is!