The signs—in the horizons, on earth, and in the Quran—provide evidence that leads to knowledge, whereas warning evokes fear. The signs are for someone who acts upon the truth once he recognizes it; such a person benefits from wisdom. Warning is for someone who recognizes the truth but has desires that hold him back. He is therefore warned of punishment, the fear of which prompts him to resist his desires. This is the person who needs good admonition. Another person refuses to accept the truth and therefore needs reasoned debate, which must be conducted in the best manner.

Allah Most High has said:

“Even if We sent down the angels to them, and the dead spoke to them, and We gathered everything before their very eyes, they would not believe unless Allah willed.”

He also said:

“You are only a warner to those who fear it.”

“You can only warn those who follow the Reminder and fear the Most Merciful unseen.”

The meaning, then, is that as long as the disbeliever remains a disbeliever, he does not accept the truth, whether he is warned or not, and he will not believe as long as he remains in that state. This is because barriers over his heart, hearing, and sight prevent understanding and acceptance. The same applies to someone overpowered by his desires. He, glorified be He, did not say, “They will not believe.” That was said concerning those for whom wretchedness had already been decreed, or against whom the decree had become binding, as in His words:

“Indeed, those against whom your Lord’s decree has become binding will not believe, even if every sign comes to them, until they see the painful punishment.”

He thus makes clear that these people will not believe until their faith no longer benefits them, at the time of