Qur'an 2-6

Qur'an 2-6

Qur'an 2:6 is the sixth verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, and it reads:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَفِيٓ۟ قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌۭ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ

Transliteration: Inna alladhīna kafarū wa fī qulūbihim maraḍun lā yū’minūn.

Translation: Indeed, those who disbelieve and those in whose hearts is disease will not believe.

Explanation:

This verse marks a contrast to the qualities of the muttaqīn (the righteous believers) described in the previous verses (2:2-5). Here, the verse addresses the disbelievers and hypocrites (those who have doubts or disease in their hearts).

Key Concepts:

1. "Those who disbelieve" (إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟):
   • The term "kafarū" refers to those who disbelieve in the message of Islam. This includes people who reject the belief in Allah, the Qur'an, the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the Day of Judgment. In the Qur'an, disbelief (kufr) is not just a matter of denying the existence of Allah, but also rejecting His guidance and commands.
2. "Those in whose hearts is disease" (وَفِيٓ۟ قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌۭ):
   • The "disease" in the hearts (maraḍ) refers to spiritual sickness or doubt. This can manifest in various ways, such as hypocrisy, doubts about the truth of the Qur'an, or weakness in faith. Some classical commentators explain that this could refer to people who outwardly show belief but have doubts or a lack of sincere commitment within their hearts.
   • The "disease" could also indicate arrogance, pride, or a hardened heart, where the person is not willing to accept the truth of Allah's message because of internal resistance or rejection.
3. "Will not believe" (لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ):
   • The verse concludes with the statement that those who disbelieve and those with a diseased heart will not believe. This emphasizes the lack of true faith in their hearts. Their refusal to believe is not just intellectual; it stems from a spiritual ailment that prevents them from accepting the truth of the message.

Theological Significance:

1. Spiritual Disease vs. True Belief: The verse contrasts the pure, sincere belief of the muttaqīn (those who are God-conscious and believe with certainty) with the spiritual disease of the disbelievers and hypocrites. For those whose hearts are diseased, no matter how much they hear the message of Islam, they cannot truly accept it, because their hearts are clouded by doubts, arrogance, or resistance.

2. The Disease of the Heart: The term maraḍ (disease) is often used in the Qur'an to refer to spiritual afflictions that block a person's ability to comprehend or accept the truth. This "disease" can manifest as hypocrisy, pride, doubt, or arrogance, all of which prevent individuals from sincerely embracing the message of Islam. The Qur'an repeatedly warns that such spiritual diseases, if not addressed, can lead to the corruption of the heart, and in turn, a failure to believe.

3. The Impact of Doubt on Faith: This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in belief. The disbelievers (and those with hypocrisy or doubt) cannot benefit from the message of Islam because they are closed off spiritually. The hearts of the righteous, by contrast, are receptive to the divine guidance of the Qur'an.

Connection to the Previous Verses:

• In Qur'an 2:5, those who are guided by Allah and follow the guidance of the Qur'an are described as successful. This verse (2:6) introduces the opposite group, emphasizing that disbelief and spiritual doubt lead to the opposite of success — they result in spiritual failure and distance from the guidance of Allah.

Summary:

Qur'an 2:6 focuses on the disbelievers and those with spiritual diseases in their hearts. It underscores that such people will not believe because their hearts are blocked by doubts, resistance, and pride. This is a warning against spiritual arrogance and a call to be sincere and humble in accepting Allah's guidance.