“Do you find it astonishing that a reminder should come to you from your Lord through one of your own, warning you, so you may beware and perhaps be shown mercy?”
(Al-A'raf - 7:63)
The verse from Suratul A’raf is a rhetorical question asked by Prophet Nuh AS. After his people’s persistence in disbelief, he appealed to them logically by reminding them of proofs of Allah’s oneness, and proofs of his prophethood.
Was it surprising that Allah, the Lord Who created mercy, would send a reminder through prophets, to a transgressing people? Was it astonishing that Allah would want salvation for His creation despite their insistence on self-destruction?
Mankind is, by its nature, prone to being corrupted by its environment. Societies that have been built upon selfishness and egoism would find it difficult to fathom that their prophets spent their lives and wealths calling to a cause without wanting anything in return.
The Messengers of Allah would constantly remind their people that they did not seek worldly gains:
O my people! I do not ask you for any reward for this message. My reward is only from the One Who created me. Will you not then understand?
(Hud - 11:51)
This tendency to question altruism and to accuse well wishers of having ulterior motives is common even in our times: scholars and callers to goodness are constantly vilified to the masses and their reputations are frequently ruined.
The heart that has been exposed to pollutants deems it impossible for goodness to exist, but is it surprising that the Merciful Lord Who created man and all the praiseworthy attributes that exist, would raise giants who sincerely want goodness for the ummah?
Is it really unfathomable that righteous people live amongst us?
Is not believing that everyone must want something worldly for doing something good a sign of disbelief in Allah being The Most Generous?
Allah ﷻ inspires the angels that carry His throne to seek forgiveness for His repentant servants (Quran, 40:7) and we witness signs of His Kindness, Generosity and Mercy every microsecond; why is it then difficult to believe that He would bless the ummah with good people that would guide them to the Truth with His permission?
Recognizing true goodness requires a purified heart—one that trusts in the Most Generous and embraces His guidance without skepticism.
“The flesh of scholars is poisoned, and Allah’s way of dealing with those who violate it is well known. Whoever unleashes their tongue to slander scholars, Allah afflicts them with the death of the heart.” -ibn Asaakir rh
May Allah purify our hearts and forgive our shortcomings. Amin