who were defiantly disobedient.” A person who is easily swayed is a fool who does not act upon his knowledge but follows his desires. A fuller discussion of this belongs elsewhere.

The point here is that none of the messengers began calling his people by saying: “You are commanded to seek knowledge of the Creator, so reflect and reason until you come to know Him.” They were not initially charged either with acquiring this knowledge itself or with examining the proofs leading to it, since their hearts already knew and acknowledged Him. Every child is born upon the innate disposition, but influences arise that alter it. When a person is reminded, he recalls what is within his innate disposition. Hence Allah said when addressing Moses:

“Both of you speak to him gently, so that perhaps he may be reminded”

of the knowledge within his innate disposition by which he knows his Lord, recognizes His blessings and kindness towards him, and knows his own dependence upon Him. This calls him to faith.

“Or become fearful”

of the punishment of which he is warned; this too calls him to faith. As the Most High said:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition.”

Wisdom makes the truth known, so that it is accepted on account of its truth, without resistance. Whoever encounters resistance from his own desires is admonished through encouragement and warning. Knowledge of the truth calls the one who possesses it to follow it, for truth is beloved to the innate disposition. It is dearer to it, more exalted in its eyes, and more delightful to it than falsehood, which has no reality. The innate disposition does not love such falsehood.