The Deception of the Strong and Intelligent by Their Own Abilities

Authored by: Sheikh al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (may Allah have mercy on him)
Translated by: Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi (may Allah protect him)


The people of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) believed that those endowed with intelligence, insight, and power could not be led astray. They considered their strength and wisdom to be a shield against misguidance. However, Allah Almighty refuted this false notion in the following verse:

"But when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, 'This is a cloud bringing us rain!' Rather, it is that for which you were impatient: a wind, within it a painful punishment. It will destroy everything by the command of its Lord. And they became such that nothing was seen except their dwellings. Thus do We recompense the criminal people. And We had certainly established them in such as We have not established you, and We made for them hearing and vision and hearts, but their hearing and vision and hearts availed them not from anything [of the punishment] when they were [continually] rejecting the signs of Allah, and they were enveloped by what they used to ridicule."

[Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46:24-26]

Explanation of the Verses:
In these verses, Allah addresses the people of Jahiliyyah among the Arabs, warning them not to rely on their power and authority. Allah reminds them that He had given the people of Aad far greater power and authority than them. He had also endowed them with faculties such as hearing, sight, and hearts so that they could recognize His blessings and become grateful to their true Lord, Allah. But they failed to use these gifts properly. They neither listened to the divine revelation nor reflected on the signs of Allah. Instead, they became so arrogant that they mocked the punishment of Allah, even when it was imminent.

These verses make it clear that the powerful nations the Arabs admired for their strength and prosperity were not saved by their intelligence or abilities. Despite their resources, they remained misguided and rejected the truth brought by the prophets. Hence, intellect and power cannot be the criteria for recognizing the truth. It is only through faith in Allah, submission to His will, and walking on His path that one can be truly guided. Wealth and prosperity do not grant superiority in matters of faith.

Furthermore, anyone who rejects the truth and justifies it by saying, "I am in a better state than you, I am wealthier," is following the path of ignorance. This is not a valid argument in the sight of Allah. As mentioned in another verse:

"And when there came to them a Book from Allah confirming that which was with them – although before they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieved – but [then] when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of Allah will be upon the disbelievers."

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:89]

The Jews had knowledge of the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from their scriptures. They were aware that soon a noble prophet would be sent in Arabia. Before his arrival, they would pray for victory over the disbelievers by using the upcoming prophet as their intercessor. However, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) appeared, they denied him merely because he was from the Arabs, a people they considered inferior. They failed to realize that faith and prophethood are a blessing from Allah, which He bestows upon whom He wills.

Allah also says:

"Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him (Prophet Muhammad) as they know their own sons. But indeed, a party of them conceal the truth while they know [it]. This is the truth from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters."

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:146]

In this verse, "they know him" refers to the People of the Book recognizing Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the true messenger of Allah, just as they know their own children. Despite this recognition, some of them intentionally concealed the truth due to their arrogance and pride, clinging to their misguided belief that Allah’s favor was exclusive to them.

The following verse further confirms this:

"Say: What thing is greatest in testimony? Say: Allah is witness between me and you. And this Qur'an was revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches. Do you [truly] testify that with Allah there are other deities? Say: I will not testify [with you]. Say: Indeed, He is but one God, and indeed, I am free of what you associate [with Him]. Those to whom We have given the Scripture recognize him (Prophet Muhammad) as they recognize their own sons. Those who have lost themselves, they will not believe."

[Surah Al-An'am, 6:19-20]

In conclusion, it is evident that reliance on strength, intellect, or wealth without submitting to the truth leads to destruction. True guidance comes only from accepting Allah’s message and following His commands. Those who reject the truth despite recognizing it have gone astray, and no amount of worldly power or intelligence can save them from Allah’s punishment.
 
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