Surah Fatir (35): Verse 7

{Those who disbelieve will have a severe punishment.}

If someone opposes Satan, even if they are currently experiencing an apparent punishment that is not severe, a rational human being would choose the temporary, light punishment over the severe, eternal punishment.

Do you not see that if a person is presented with thorns and fire on their path, and they must choose one, they will step over the thorns rather than enter the fire? The fire of this world, in comparison to the Fire of the Hereafter, is less significant than the thorns are in comparison to the immediate fire.

{And those who believe and do righteous deeds—for them is forgiveness and a great reward.}

We have explained this passage multiple times. It clarifies that belief is counterbalanced by forgiveness, meaning no believer will remain in the Fire. Righteous action is counterbalanced by a great reward.

{7. Is he, then, one for whom his evil deed has been made attractive so he regards it as good? Indeed, Allah lets go astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. So let not your soul go after them in grief. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do.}

Tafsir Points:

1. The Contrast: This verse presents a stark contrast: the one whose evil deeds are beautified (by Satan or their own desires) and thus they perceive them as good, versus the one guided by Allah.
2. Divine Will in Guidance and Misguidance: The phrase, "Indeed, Allah lets go astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills," emphasizes that ultimate direction rests with Allah. This is a response to the Prophet's (PBUH) potential distress over the stubborn disbelief of some people.
3. Consolation to the Prophet (PBUH): The command, "So let not your soul go after them in grief," is a direct consolation. The Prophet (PBUH) should not exhaust himself with sorrow over those whom Allah has decreed to go astray because their misguidance is rooted in their own choices being embellished for them.
4. Allah's Omniscience: The verse concludes by affirming Allah's complete knowledge: "Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do." This assures the Prophet (PBUH) that nothing escapes Allah's awareness, including the deeds and the ultimate fate of these disbelievers.