this to be among the characteristics of the disbelievers and hypocrites. Allah Most High says:

“We gave them hearing, sight, and hearts, but neither their hearing nor their sight nor their hearts benefited them at all, since they denied Allah’s signs; and they were engulfed by what they used to ridicule.”

And He says:

“When their messengers came to them with clear proofs, they rejoiced in the knowledge they possessed; and they were engulfed by what they used to ridicule.”

“When they saw Our punishment, they said, ‘We believe in Allah alone, and we reject whatever we used to associate with Him.’”

“But their faith did not benefit them once they had seen Our punishment. Such is Allah’s established way with His servants; and there the disbelievers lost.”

And He says:

“Those who dispute Allah’s signs without any authority that has come to them—this is deeply hateful to Allah and to those who believe.”

And He says:

“There is nothing in their hearts but a desire for greatness which they will never attain. So seek refuge in Allah.”

The authority mentioned here is proof revealed by Allah, as He says:

“Or have We sent down to them an authority that speaks in support of what they associate with Him?”

And He says:

“Or do you have clear authority?”

“Then bring your scripture, if you are truthful.”

And He says:

“They are nothing but names you and your forefathers have named, for which Allah has sent down no authority.”

He—glory be to Him—has challenged those who adopt a religion, saying:

“Bring me a scripture prior to this, or a remnant of knowledge.”

The “scripture” means a revealed book. As for the “remnant of knowledge,” some of the early generations said that it means narration and chains of transmission. They also said that it means writing, since narrations and their chains of transmission are recorded in writing. This is because athāra (a remnant) derives from athar (a trace): knowledge stated by someone whose word is accepted is transmitted through a chain of transmission and preserved in writing. All of this thus forms part of the legacy he leaves behind.