Since a person is prevented from following the Messenger by one of two things—ignorance or corrupt intent—Allah mentioned what dispels ignorance: the signs establishing the Messenger’s truthfulness. He then mentioned those whose intentions are corrupt, saying:

“Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments, We will repay them in full for their deeds therein, and they will not be given less than their due.”

“Those are the ones who will have nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire. What they have accomplished therein will come to nothing, and all they used to do will be in vain.”

These are the people whose intentions are corrupt. These two things prevent people from following this Messenger. Likewise, in al-Baqarah, Allah mentioned what brings about knowledge and sound intent, saying:

“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servant, then produce a surah like it and call your witnesses besides Allah, if you are truthful.”

Then He said:

“But if you do not—and you will never be able to—then fear the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.”

Having established these two foundations, He then proceeded to explain faith in him and the condition of those who believe and those who disbelieve, saying:

“Is one who stands on clear evidence from his Lord”—to the end of the verse.

Then He said:

“And who is more unjust than one who fabricates a lie against Allah? They will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, ‘These are the ones who lied about their Lord.’”

This includes every disbeliever who lies about Allah by falsely claiming to be a messenger. It also includes everyone who denies a truthful messenger, saying, “Allah did not send this man and did not command this,” thereby lying about Allah. This occurs only in someone with corrupt