OCCASION OF REVELATION
As to the cause of revelation of the above verse one view is that:-
The believers in Mecca were afflicted with a long drought and famine, which had resulted in an Extreme and general scarcity of food and everything; and almost all of them were in a great trouble.
When they emigrated to Medina, their condition changed to ample sufficiency. They obtained rich supply of food, and whatever they needed; but instead of being thankful and purifying themselves, and increasing their faith;some of them became indifferent, and lost their interest in their Divine morals! The above verse was revealed to encourage them to be more stout in their way.
HOW LONG TO NEGLECT!
VERSE 16-18
Following the previous warnings and admonitions, by describing the fate of disbelievers and hypocrites, it is concluded:-
``Has the time not come yet for the believers to humble their hearts with the remembrance of Allah,and the truth which has been sent down to them? and avoid being like those to whom the Scriptures were sent before...?''
The remembrance of God and pondering over the verses of QurÌn may humiliate the hearts and reduce vanity and pride, but these symptoms were not seen in some of the believers contemporary to our prophet. The above verses came to blame them and warn them to be more careful about their behaviour.
Just to claim that one believes, and passing by easily will not solve the problem. As the rain revives and refreshes the dead and depressed earth, so does the word of God with the heart of Man. It removes all the causes of despair, and cessation of efforts; on condition that we accept the word of God eagerly, and with humility and zeal.
Here the examples given are the Jews and Christians who had their own Messenger of God and also God's revelations and book; but as time elapsed, they corrupted and deviated from the way that their Messengers had shown to them. Then THEY misinterpreted the signs and verses of God according to their caprices and vain desires. Their evil deeds too rendered them arrogant and hard-hearted. Then they undermined the morals faith and fidelity, which endangered their spiritual and even physical position,and they failed in all respects. Good or ill, success never comes blindly and by chance. Everything happens according to the established laws and the will of God.