and He calls them in the most excellent and gracious way. Yet when they sink into open defiance and arrogance, He threatens them with decisive punishments, exposes to all people the course they have chosen, and explains that their opposition to the religion did not arise from ignorance, confusion, or some lingering doubt that might justify hesitation; it was nothing but outright denial, pride, and stubbornness.

At the same time He makes plain the factors that prevented them from following guidance—craving for leadership and selfish ambitions—and that, once they preferred falsehood to truth, their hearts were stamped and sealed, and the path of guidance was barred to them as a punishment for turning away, allying themselves with Satan, and abandoning the Most Merciful. He therefore left them to the choice they had made for themselves.

These weighty themes are set forth in detail throughout the Qur’an; reflect and contemplate the Qur’an and you will find them clear and manifest. Allah knows best. May He show mercy.