The Majestic Quran

13. Ar-Raʿd The Thunder The central theme of this late Makkan chapter is to grasp the Greatness of God, as stated in scripture and nature. Nature, like the scripture, is an open book, where God’s creativity can be seen, felt and experienced. On the other hand, the divine revelation brought by the prophets is a set of general teachings: moral values influencing a person’s character and behaviour, and spiritual ideals that fill life with meaning and answer big questions: Who are we? Where do we come from? And where are we going? Reason, Not Wizardry The Makkans employed many hostile tactics to oppose the Prophet r : ran a smear campaign, mocked, ridiculed, and made physical threats. Some Muslims wished that God would send a miracle so that their fellow citizens would see and believe. However, “Even if such a Quran was revealed that could move the mountains or destroy the Earth or make dead speak they still wouldn’t believe ” (31). Miracles are not performed on request, and God doesn’t want to persuade people with miraculous wizardry. Instead, the Quran offers logical reasons to believe, as well as evidence from nature, physical phenomena, and human history. These appeals to human intellect and emotions, can stir faith in God and motivate people. In other words, the Quran wants people to decide for themselves: to accept God or reject faith. It’s their moral choice. The Quran states that change only comes from within: “God doesn’t change the condition of people until they change what’s in themselves” (11). The Awesome Creation and the Infinite Knowledge of God