(204–206) “Among the people is one whose speech impresses you in the life of this world, and he calls Allah to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the fiercest of opponents. * When he turns away, he strives throughout the land to spread corruption in it and destroy crops and livestock. Allah does not love corruption. * When he is told, ‘Fear Allah,’ pride drives him further into sin. Hell is sufficient for him—and what a wretched resting place!”
After commanding that He be remembered abundantly—especially at virtuous times, which is good, beneficial, and righteous—Allah, Most High, describes the condition of one whose deeds contradict his words. Speech either elevates a person or debases him. He therefore says, “Among the people is one whose speech impresses you in the life of this world.” That is, when he speaks, his words charm the listener, and you suppose that he is saying something beneficial. He reinforces his words by “calling Allah to witness what is in his heart”: he claims that Allah knows that what is in his heart accords with what he has said. Yet he is lying, for his deeds contradict his words.
Were he truthful, his words and deeds would accord, as is the case with a believer who is not a hypocrite. Allah therefore says, “Yet he is the fiercest of opponents.” That is, when you dispute with him, you find him fiercely contentious, difficult, and obstinate, together with all the blameworthy qualities arising from this. Such are not the manners of the believers, who make ease their way, submission to the truth their duty, and magnanimity their natural disposition.
“When he turns away”—this man whose speech impresses you while he is in your presence—“he strives throughout the land to spread corruption in it.” That is, he exerts himself in committing sins, which spread corruption on earth, and thereby “destroys crops and livestock.” Crops, fruits, and livestock are ruined or diminished, and their blessings decrease, because of sinful conduct. “Allah does not love corruption.” Since He does not love corruption, He utterly hates the servant who spreads corruption on earth, even if that servant speaks fine words.
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This verse therefore shows that people’s words are not, by themselves, evidence of truthfulness or falsehood, righteousness or wickedness, until deeds are found that attest to and validate them. It also shows that the circumstances of witnesses should be investigated, and that who is in the right and who is in the wrong should be determined by scrutinizing their deeds and considering the indications furnished by their conduct. One must not be deceived by their dissembling or by their praise of themselves.
Allah then states that when this man, who spreads corruption on earth through disobedience to Allah, is commanded to fear Allah, he responds with arrogance and disdain, and “pride drives him further into sin.” Thus, he combines sinful conduct with arrogance (1) toward those who sincerely advise him.
“Hell is sufficient for him”—the abode of sinners and the arrogant—“and what a wretched resting place!” That is, a wretched place in which to settle and dwell: everlasting torment, unending anguish, and continual despair. Their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they have any hope of reward. This is the recompense for their offenses and the fitting consequence of their deeds. We seek refuge in Allah from their condition.