Chapter 2: Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow), verses 17-20

Translation:

They are like those who kindled a fire, but as soon as it lit up all around them, God took away their light leaving them in darkness, where they could not see. Deaf, dumb and blind, they shall never return to the right path. Or like those who, beneath a dark storm-cloud charged with thunder and lightning, thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of every thunder-clap for fear of death (God thus encompasses the deniers). The lightning almost takes away their sight: whenever it flashes upon them they walk on, but, as soon as it darkens, they stand still. Indeed, if God pleased, He could take away their sight and hearing: He has power over all things.

Tafsir (Commentary):

In a dark room black and white will appear the same, but as soon as the lights are turned on, black appears as black, and white as white. So it is with the message of God which was revealed to the Prophets. The divine scriptures are God’s lights to the world. When this light is shed upon mankind, guidance and error clearly appear for what they are. It becomes evident what good and evil deeds consist of, and what their consequences are. But some people, instead of bowing to the truth, want the truth to be subservient to them. The light of God only serves to confuse them. Their hidden jealousy and pride take hold of them. As soon as they see themselves in the divine mirror, their negative sentiments are aroused. The prejudices within them overcome their senses. They have eyes but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have tongues, but cannot speak. They can neither hear the call of truth, nor respond to it in any way, nor by any sign from God can they find their way. Instead of reflecting upon the call of truth, as they should do, they evade it either by attaching no importance to it, or by not listening to it at all.

Fear is another factor which prevents them from acknowledging the truth. Rain is a wonderful blessing of God. But with rain come thunder and lightning which terrify nervous people. So it is with God’s word as revealed to His prophets. On the one hand, it holds out to man the promise of great success, but on the other hand, its acceptance places man temporarily at risks: there is the fear of losing one’s worldly position; the dilemma of clashing with the conventional set-up; the necessity to face up to reality as far as one’s fate in the next life is concerned, rather than indulge in wishful thinking. Fear of these things sometimes makes one halt, and sometimes makes one move hesitantly on. But such caution cannot help one. Those who do not respond to God’s call openheartedly are simply inviting severer punishment from their Creator.