| Hud: (24) The likeness of the two groups is like the blind...

And know that when the Almighty mentioned the two groups (believers and disbelievers), He presented a corresponding likeness for them.

Some commentators said this refers back to those mentioned last: the believers and the disbelievers from before. Others said it refers back to His saying: {Is he who is on a clear proof from his Lord} (Hud: 17). Then, He subsequently mentioned the disbelievers, describing them as being unable to hear or see, whereas those whom God described as being on a clear proof from their Lord are the ones who possess hearing and sight.

Know that the rationale behind the comparison is that the Almighty created man composed of the body and the soul. Just as the body has sight and hearing, the essence of the spirit also possesses hearing and sight. Just as a physically blind and deaf body remains bewildered, unable to find guidance toward any benefit, being like one lost in the depths of darkness, seeing no light to guide him nor hearing any sound, so too is the ignorant, misguided, and misleading person: he is blind and deaf of heart, remaining lost and bewildered in the darkness of misguidance.

Then the Almighty said: {Will you not then remember?}—alerting them that it is possible to treat this blindness and deafness. Since treatment for the harm resulting from this blindness and deafness is possible, it is incumbent upon the intelligent person to strive for that treatment as much as possible.

Know that it is customary for the Almighty, when presenting various types of proofs to the disbeliever, to follow them up with narratives (stories). This is done to reinforce those proofs, as we have established this meaning in many places. In this Surah, various types of stories are mentioned.

The First Story: The Story of Noah (peace be upon him)

{And We certainly sent Noah to his people, [saying], "Indeed, I am to you a clear warner, * That you worship not except Allah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful Day."}