Confronting the Verses
Directly from the Quran itself — the exact opposite of what most of us assume
Does man not remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?
Commentary
The Quran tells man to 'think.' There is no automatic guarantee of paradise — there is a call to reflect.
By your Lord, We will surely gather them and the devils, then We will bring them around Hell on their knees. Then We will extract from every sect those who were most defiant to the Most Merciful. Then We know best those who are most worthy of burning therein. There is not one of you but will pass over it; this is a decree from your Lord that must be fulfilled.
Commentary
Everyone will pass by Hell — no one is automatically exempt.
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you?
Commentary
'Did you think Paradise was easy?' — a direct question.
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who strive and made evident those who are patient?
Commentary
Paradise is not given without trial.
He will say, 'Enter among nations which had passed on before you of jinn and mankind into the Fire.' Every time a nation enters, it will curse its sister.
Commentary
The excuse of 'our ancestors did the same' is invalid. Blaming each other will not work.
And the Day He will gather them and that which they worship besides Allah and will say, 'Did you mislead these, My servants, or did they stray from the path?'
Commentary
The intercession excuse — 'so-and-so will save us' — collapses fundamentally.
And this is a Book which We have revealed as blessed, so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy. [We revealed it] lest you say, 'The Scripture was only sent down to two groups before us.' Or lest you say, 'If only the Scripture had been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they.'
Commentary
The excuse of 'I didn't understand, I didn't know' is void: the Book was sent to you too.
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.
Commentary
Responsibility is individual — you are obligated to protect not only yourself but your family.
And if We had made it a non-Arabic Quran, they would have said, 'Why are its verses not explained in detail? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?'
Commentary
The excuse of reading without understanding: the Quran came to be understood.
And warn them of the Approaching Day, when hearts are at the throats, filled with distress.
Commentary
The final warning: On that Day, regret will be of no use.