Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 338
338 state capable of experiencing the utmost delight in reaction to the conditions of that life. Again, it is stated that those who are placed in authority and misuse that authority, thus creating disorder in the land instead of strengthening and cementing human relationships, will be afflicted with spiritual deafness and blindness (47:23 ⎯ 24). Persistence in such a course deprives a person of the faculty of appreciating good advice given to him or of drawing a lesson from his own observations and reflections. He becomes haughty and arrogant, and cannot tolerate any questioning of his own judgement or any criticism of the manner in which he exercises authority. In the same way, whoever turns away from Divine guidance and closes his eyes to it is bound to lose his spiritual sight. He may pride himself on his sharp perceptions and clear insight and may even consider himself above the need of any guidance, but by turning away from Divine guidance he is in effect destroying his spiritual insight. “Whoso will turn away from My Reminder, his will be a strait life, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall raise him up blind. He will say: ‘My Lord, why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I possessed sight before?’ God will say: ‘Thus it must be. Our Signs came to thee and thou didst disregard them. In like manner will thou be disregarded this day’” (20:125 ⎯ 127).