The method of the Qur'an is, first to state the laws that govern the
fate of nations, and then to cite instances from history to illustrate
the working of those laws. The purpose of the Qur'an is not to
record past events in all their details but to give sufficient reference
to make its own point and leave out the rest. Thus the Qur'an
imparts such a deep insight into the nature of the life process that it
inspires unquestioning faith in its pronouncement when it says:
Have they not travelled in the land to see the nature of the
consequence for those before them? They were more numerous than
these and mightier in power and in the traces (which they have left
behind them) in the earth. But all that they used to earn availed them
not. And when their messengers brought them clear proofs (of the
consequences of their doings), they exulted in the knowledge they
themselves possessed. And that which they were wont to mock, befell
them (40:82-83).
These nations enjoyed many advantages. They possessed power,
wealth, technical knowledge and a rich material culture. In
prosperity they had multiplied and spread over the earth. But when
they chose to defy the moral order of the universe, all their efforts to
ward off the blow of fate were of no avail. They fell into decay and
dwindled away. They could not plead ignorance as they had been
warned time and again by Anbiya from amongst themselves. These
Anbiya had admonished them to recognise their mistakes and mend
their ways. They, however, chose to ignore the warnings and
persisted in treading a dangerous path. Vanity and pride ruled their
hearts and, elated by temporary successes, they failed to foresee the
long-term results of their actions. At last, they reached the limit that
the Laws of God have set to everything. When they crossed it, their
fate was sealed. They had reached the point of no return. Remorse
and repentance could not save them thereafter:
(When they had crossed the limit) their Eiman could not avail them
when they saw their doom. This is Allah's Law which has ever taken
course in regard to His servants (mankind); and there were the ungodly
lost (40:85).
A prominent aspect of the eternal, the unalterable, law is that there
are limits within which possibilities of change and recovery are
available. Beyond those limits, nothing avails and all attempts to save
oneself run into sands.
Rise and Fall of Nations 264