Al-Balad (11): Then he has not attempted the steep path

"Then he has not attempted the steep path" (fa-la iqtahama al-‘aqabah). Al-iqtiham (attempting/storming) is entering [something] with speed, pressure, and intensity. It is said that one qahama into a matter—meaning to throw oneself into it without deliberation. Al-‘aqabah is the rugged path in a mountain; in the sea, it is the most difficult and ascending part of it. The plural is ‘iqab and ‘uqab. It is used here as a metaphor for what has been explained of the arduous deeds that are of high standing in the sight of Allah Almighty, and the contextual indicator (qarinah) is evident. Confirming the intended meaning through action and acquisition is a strengthening of the metaphor (tarshih). It is also possible that the action mentioned was made an iqtiham (an arduous storming) and an arduous ascent, and mentioning it after "the two paths" (al-najdayn) places the metaphor at the highest peak of eloquence.

The intention is to condemn the one spoken about for being negligent, despite the immense blessings and glorious, massive favors that Allah Almighty has bestowed upon him. It is as if it were said: "He fell short and did not express gratitude for those great blessings and massive favors by performing righteous deeds; rather, he disparaged the blessing, showed ingratitude toward the Bestower, and followed the desire of his own soul."