(42–44) “Among them are some who listen to you. But can you make the deaf hear, even though they do not understand?”

Allah Most High tells us about some of those who deny the Messenger and what he brought: “Among them are some who listen” to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as he recites the revelation—not to seek guidance, but merely to watch, deny, and look for faults (1). Such listening is of no benefit and brings them no good. Consequently, the door to divine guidance was closed to them, and they were deprived of the benefit of listening. Hence He said: “But can you make the deaf hear, even though they do not understand?” This question conveys an established negation: you cannot make the deaf—who do not hear what is said—listen, even if you speak loudly, especially when they are also utterly devoid of understanding.

If it is impossible to make a deaf person who cannot understand speech hear, then likewise it is impossible for you to make these deniers hear in a manner that benefits them.

As for hearing the proof, they have indeed heard that by which Allah’s conclusive proof is established against them. Thus, one of the principal avenues to knowledge has been closed to them: the avenue of hearing what pertains to goodness.