Question:
As Salamu Alaikum wa rahamtullahi wa barakatuhu,
I am always filled with sadness when I read the following ayah or similar ayahs in the holy Quran:
“As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.God hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they (incur).”
Is there no hope for the ones who have lost their ways? If Allah has sealed their hearts, then nobody can guide them. I often think about family members or friends who either do not believe or have lost faith and pray that Allah brings them back to truth. How do we reconcile that with the above ayah? May Allah Ghafurur Raheem forgive us all.
Answer:
wa `alaykum salam,
You are to pray for those who are lost, but what is implied in this verse is that Allah (swt) knew one even before He created him whether he will choose to be on the right or wrong way. That’s why He said describing the lost ones, “God hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil.” The seal always comes at the end. Allah (swt) does no injustice to His creations.
Imam Senad Agic
Head Imam (IABNA)
The Islamic Association of Bosniaks in North America
American Islamic Center – Chicago
