VERSES NO. 101 -102

      Here again the stress is on the lessons that could have been taken from the incidents of the prophets and their people, but were ignored. In their stories, there is warnings to present and future generations, who should know that if they fall to the same sins committed by their ancestors, they will meet the same fate and misfortune.

      The past nations were not punished for nothing or without any reason. There came to them their prophets with clear signs and evidences, but arrogance, obstinacy, and ignorance, prevented them to change their mind and believe in what they had rejected arrogantly before. Then, by repeating the evils that they were doing, its shame and ugliness disappeared to them and their sins became their habits. Here was where their hearts were sealed by the plan and permission of God, so that they could no more apprehend the truth or even give an ear to it!:

      ``And so does Allah seal up the hearts of the unbelievers.''

      From among the sins of the past nations, two main and major ones are mentioned here; that they were not faithful to their promises, and observed no covenants, and in particular, those which they covenanted with God, in order to worship Him alone, and not to follow the footsteps of Satan. They were also debauchers with excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.