about it and refuse to believe. Rather, as the Quran says, “in their hearts is a disease” (2:10); they are steeped in doubt—Allah’s protection is sought. Their condition may even degenerate into outright denial, though they still recite the Quran. When it comes to its rulings, they act arrogantly: they do not carry out its commands nor refrain from its prohibitions. Such people—may Allah safeguard us—will be debased by Allah in this world and the next. Their affair is bound to end in ruin; even if, hypothetically, the world were to bow before them and flaunt its finery, their final outcome would still be utter loss, Allah forbid.

Allah may well give them respite and extend their term; the doors of worldly splendor may be flung open for them. Yet every time some blossom of this life comes their way, it only deepens their ruin—Allah’s refuge is sought. Concerning them the Almighty says: “On the Day the disbelievers are brought before the Fire, it will be said, ‘You exhausted your good things during your worldly life and took your enjoyment therein, so today you are repaid with the torment of humiliation because you used to behave arrogantly on earth without right, and because you were defiantly disobedient’” (46:20).

In other words, Allah may defer the arrogant, stubborn unbeliever and beautify the world for him, but this does nothing except increase his loss; the real reckoning is in the Hereafter—Allah protect us. So take heed, take heed lest you fall into the second category, those whom Allah brings low by means of this Quran. Strive to be among the first category, those whom Allah elevates through the Quran. May Allah make us and you among them.