And His words, exalted is He, after mentioning the account of the people of Lot:
“We turned it upside down and rained upon them stones of baked clay.”
“Indeed, in that are signs for those who discern.”
“And indeed, it lies on an established road.”
One who discerns is someone who draws inferences from marks and distinguishing signs. The Most High says:
“If We willed, We could show them to you, and you would recognize them by their marks; and you will surely recognize them by the tenor of their speech.”
Recognizing the hypocrites by the tenor of their speech is thus affirmed by an oath, but this occurs when they speak. Recognizing them by their marks, however, depends upon Allah’s will, for that is more subtle.
In the hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhī, who graded it sound, Abū Sa‘īd reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“Beware of the believer’s discernment, for he sees by the light of Allah.”
He then recited the words of the Most High:
“Indeed, in that are signs for those who discern.”
Mujāhid and Ibn Qutaybah explained this as referring to those endowed with perceptive insight. Ibn Qutaybah said: “One says, ‘I discerned goodness in so-and-so,’ meaning, ‘I perceived it.’” Al-Zajjāj said: “In Arabic, those who discern are observers who keep their gaze fixed until they recognize the true distinguishing mark of a thing. One says, ‘I discerned such-and-such in so-and-so,’ meaning, ‘I recognized it.’”
His words, “who keep their gaze fixed,” refer to looking with their eyes until they recognize the distinguishing marks, unlike those of whom it is said:
“How many a sign in the heavens and the earth they pass by, yet turn away from it!”
Al-Dahhāk said: “Those who observe.” Ibn Zayd said: “Those who scrutinize.” Qatādah said: “Those who draw lessons.” All of this is correct, for one who discerns combines all these qualities.
Then the Most High said:
“And indeed, it lies on an established road.”
He then mentioned the account of the people of the thicket, and then said:
“And indeed, both lie on a clear highway.”
That is, on a road evident and clear to people.