Translation
Those who vie to delve into disbelief should not be a cause for too much grief on your part. They can do no harm to God [and to those who are faithful to God]. God intends to deprive them of any of His blessing [due to their actions], and they will face consequences that are grievous, indeed. Again, those who buy disbelief by trading belief can do no harm to God, and there awaits a punishment for them that will be very painful.221
Those who continue to deny God and truth should not feel that God’s permission for their continuance in evil is good for them; rather, such respite only adds to their sinfulness. They will face humiliating suffering. God will not keep the faithful in the same condition but separate the faithful out from the evil. God will also not give you [denier of truth] insight into the world of the unseen except to His messengers whom He chooses as He pleases. Therefore, one should believe in God and in His messengers. Anyone who believes in God and is responsible [to God and to fellow human beings] will achieve a great reward.222
Interpretation
221. The presence of evil in the world and the doers of evils are causes for great concern for people of faith and goodwill, but to become overly concerned or grieved whereby one loses courage or the desire to continue his or her own path is not helpful. God grants such evil to continue for a time as a way to separate the good from the bad, and one should recognize that all evils result in humiliation, painful suffering, and chastisement in the hand of God and people.
222. God will reward the faithful and good people with knowledge of the unseen realities of life, our existence, and the continued presence of people who value faith in God and good works. One should exert oneself to follow the guidance of God and of the messengers to achieve success, which is the reward that God grants as a consequence of such striving and exertion.
REFLECTION
Good and evil can coexist but should not comingle. By letting evil continue for a time, God separates the good. This is not just a matter of statement but a reality check that pertains to everyone who wishes to demonstrate his or her faith and commitment to do good in the face of difficulties and oppositions that are present no matter where we are and what time in history we live on this planet.
ACTION
We need to challenge ourselves to continue to do the right thing, even if the prevailing current might indicate otherwise. The greater the challenge, the greater is the commitment needed, and the greater is the reward for such exertion.