That is: Which of the two men is better guided? Is it one who wanders lost in misguidance, immersed in disbelief, whose heart has been turned upside down so that he regards truth as falsehood and falsehood as truth? Or one who knows the truth, prefers it, acts upon it, and follows the straight path in his words, deeds, and every aspect of his life? Merely by considering the condition of these two men, one can discern the difference between them and tell which is guided and which is astray. One’s actual state bears stronger witness than one’s words.
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(23–26) “Say, ‘He is the One who brought you into being and gave you hearing, sight, and hearts; yet you give little thanks.’ * Say, ‘He is the One who spread you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered.’ * And they say, ‘When will this promise come to pass, if you are truthful?’ * Say, ‘Its knowledge rests with Allah alone, and I am only a clear warner.’”
Allah Most High says—making clear that He alone is to be worshipped, and calling His servants to thank Him and worship Him alone—“Say, ‘He is the One who brought you into being,’” meaning: He created you from nothing, without any helper or supporter. After bringing you into being, He perfected your existence by granting you hearing, sight, and hearts, which are the most beneficial organs of the body (1) and the most complete physical faculties. Yet (2), despite this blessing, “you give little thanks” to Allah: few of you are grateful, and the gratitude you show is scant.
“Say, ‘He is the One who spread you throughout the earth,’” meaning: He dispersed you across its regions, settled you throughout its expanses, gave you commands and prohibitions, and bestowed upon you blessings from which you benefit. Then, after all that, He will gather you for the Day of Resurrection.
Yet these obstinate people deny this promise of recompense, “and they say” in rejection:
“When will this promise come to pass, if you are truthful?”
They made the disclosure (3) of the time of its arrival the test of the warners’ truthfulness. This was injustice and obstinacy, for such knowledge belongs only to Allah, not to any created being. There is no necessary connection between the truth of this report and disclosing when it will occur. Truthfulness is known by its evidence, and Allah has established such proofs and demonstrations of its veracity that not the slightest doubt remains for anyone who lends an ear while fully attentive.