Johnnie Ellington II August 2, 2013 at 7:00 AM · The Light of Faith [2:20] The lightning almost snatches away their eyesight. When it lights for them, they move forward, and when it turns dark, they stand still. If GOD wills, He* can take away their hearing and their eyesight. GOD is Omnipotent. Footnote [2:21] O people, worship only your Lord—the One who created you and those before you—that you may be saved. [2:22] The One who made the earth habitable for you, and the sky a structure. He sends down from the sky water, to produce all kinds of fruits for your sustenance. You shall not set up idols to rival GOD, now that you know. Mathematical Challenge [2:23] If you have any doubt regarding what we revealed to our servant,* then produce one sura like these, and call upon your own witnesses against GOD, if you are truthful. Footnote Allegorical Description of Hell [2:24] If you cannot do this—and you can never do this—then beware of the Hellfire, whose fuel is people and rocks; it awaits the disbelievers. Allegorical Description of Paradise [2:25] Give good news to those who believe and lead a righteous life that they will have gardens with flowing streams. When provided with a provision of fruits therein, they will say, "This is what was provided for us previously." Thus, they are given allegorical descriptions. They will have pure spouses therein, and they abide therein forever. [2:26] GOD does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory,* from the tiny mosquito and greater. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did GOD mean by such an allegory?" He misleads many thereby, and guides many thereby. But He never misleads thereby except the wicked, Footnote [2:27] who violate GOD's covenant after pledging to uphold it, sever what GOD has commanded to be joined, and commit evil. These are the losers. Two Deaths and Two Lives for the Disbelievers* [2:28] How can you disbelieve in GOD when you were dead and He gave you life, then He puts you to death, then He brings you back to life, then to Him you ultimately return? Footnote [2:29] He is the One who created for you everything on earth, then turned to the sky and perfected seven universes therein,* and He is fully aware of all things. Footnote Satan: A Temporary "god"* [2:30] Recall that your Lord said to the angels, "I am placing a representative (a temporary god) on Earth." They said, "Will You place therein one who will spread evil therein and shed blood, while we sing Your praises, glorify You, and uphold Your absolute authority?" He said, "I know what you do not know."