The Majestic Quran

be pleased with you” (7). The chapter identifies thankful servants and congratulates them: “Good news for those who avoid serving evil forces and turn genuinely to God...” (17–18). Such fortunate ones are blessed by God in an incredible way: So the one whose mind God opens with the light of Islam will have light from His Lord. But those whose mind s 27 are closed to the remembrance of God will be ruined; they are wholly misguided (22). The ability to see, feel and speak the Truth is a great gift. The next passage again compares the person of faith to the idol worshipper (the latter could well include the modern materialist): “Can a servant devoted to many masters who are at odds with each other be the same as the one who is devoted solely to one master?” (29). The unthankful person is the one who is selfish, follows whims and lowly desires; “The evil of what they did will distress them. The sinners will suffer the distress as a result of their deeds and they will not escape” (51). The final section of the chapter describes the crushing manner in which crowds of the wicked people will be hurled into Hell. The angels will ask them, “Didn’t messengers from among you come to recite your Lord’s verses and warn you of this Day’s meeting?” (71). How they will regret that day. This is the purpose of presenting the Hereafter in the present: to jolt us, and fill us with awe. The end of the chapter presents a dignified entry of believers into Paradise, and the masses of angels praising the Lord. In the name of God, the Kind and Caring. G