The Qur’ān leads us to Guidance. It wants us to realise the Truth. And for this purpose, in chapter after chapter, it relates stories of earlier nations and also presents before us solid arguments to make us understand that our success lies in following its teachings. Its also warns us against disobeying the commands of God.
If we reflect on the bounties God has blessed us with and we are enjoying them day and night, we will come to realise that it is He Who has made it possible for us to live on earth. Otherwise, had He so willed, He would have created other beings on earth. The 35th Chapter of the Qur’ān, Sūrah Fatir, says: “It is He who made you inherit the earth.” (The Qur’ān, 35:39)
In our practical life, we experience that one generation inherits another, one situation – whether of a family, society or political or national setup – disappears to allow another to rise in its place. The May 13, 2023 Karnataka Assembly election results help us understand this reality. Thus, the way to all this inheritance is paved by the Lord Almighty. It is just by way of reminder that it is He Who has made us inherit the earth so that we might not forget this truth.
This Divine act of making us inheriting the earth demands us to be thankful to the Lord. If we do so, He promises us great rewards both here in this world and in the world to come. But, God forbid, if we fail to do so, what would happen? The same āyah says: “Hence, anyone who denies the truth will bear the consequences of his unbelief. In denying Him the unbelievers will have nothing but an increase of their loathsomeness in God’s sight; and in denying Him the unbelievers will only add to their loss.”
This āyah draws a picture of one’s persistent denial of the truth and its ultimate results. It also tells us that if a person incurs God’s wrath – ‘an increase of their loathsomeness in God’s sight’ – his loss exceeds all that we can imagine. Such disobedient and thankless persons opt to follow their own ways rather than the path laid down by the Qur’ān. They start denying the truth, one after another. They become so persistent in their denial of the truth that they turn diehard and set partners with God in His Attributes. While the Book of God invites human beings to reflect on the bounties of God spread in human and animal body, the creation of the earth and all over the universe to realise the truth with open mind. This is the way to ultimate success. It only demands our will to follow it.