(58–60) “We have certainly set forth for people in this Quran every kind of example. Yet even if you brought them a sign, those who disbelieve would surely say, ‘You are merely bringers of falsehood.’ * Thus does Allah seal the hearts of those who do not know. * So be patient. Surely Allah’s promise is true, and do not let those who lack certainty make you waver.”
That is, “We have certainly set forth,” out of Our care, mercy, kindness, and excellence in teaching, “for people in this Quran every kind of example” by which truths are made clear, matters become known, and every counterargument is cut off. This applies generally to the examples Allah presents, bringing abstract matters closer to understanding through perceptible things. It also applies to reports of what will occur and the clear exposition of its reality, [until] (1) it is as though it had already occurred.
One example here is Allah Most High’s mention of what will occur on the Day of Resurrection: the condition of the criminals on that Day, the intensity of their regret, and the fact that no excuse or attempt to make amends will be accepted from them.
Yet the disbelieving wrongdoers insist upon stubbornly opposing the manifest truth. Hence He says, “Yet even if you brought them a sign”—that is, any sign demonstrating the truth of what you have brought—“those who disbelieve would surely say, ‘You are merely bringers of falsehood.’” In other words, they declared the truth to be false. This stems from their disbelief, their audacity, Allah’s sealing of their hearts, and their extreme ignorance. Hence He says, “Thus does Allah seal the hearts of those who do not know.” No good can enter them, and they do not perceive things as they truly are; rather, they see truth as falsehood and falsehood as truth.
“So be patient” in carrying out what you have been commanded and in calling them to Allah. Even if you see them turn away, do not let that deter you.
“Surely Allah’s promise is true”—that is, there is no doubt about it. This is among the things that aid one in remaining patient. When a servant knows that his deeds will not be lost but that he will find them in full, the hardships he encounters become easy to bear, ⦗646⦘ every difficulty becomes easy for him, and even much work seems little to him.
“And do not let those who lack certainty make you waver.” That is, their faith is weak and their certainty scant; consequently, their minds are flighty and their patience is slight. Beware lest such people sway you. If you do not keep them (2) in mind and guard against them, they will sway you and lead you to abandon steadfast adherence to the commands and prohibitions. One’s own soul lends them support in this and seeks imitation and conformity (3). This shows that every believer possessed of certainty has a sober mind and finds patience easy, whereas everyone whose certainty is weak is weak [in mind] (4) and flighty.
The former is like the kernel, while the latter is like the husks. Allah’s help is sought.