 
We see previous themes from other verses reemerging in these verses (and ones following).  

Allah is mentioning the risk of shaitan's influence, and earlier in the surat, we see examples of this risk: those who 'turn their necks in arrogance' and those who 'worship Allah on an edge.' It also reminds us of the people of faith that misconstrued the words of their prophets (pbut), such as those entioned in verse 17. The same description of Shaitan's influence being a trial to further punishment for disbelievers because of the extent of what they've allowed their hearts to become in ayat 53 is referenced in ayat 44. The mention of diseased hearts isn't only in verse 53, but also described further in verse 46, where hearts are described as 'blind.'

Allah brings up knowledge regarding revelation in these verses. Earlier in the surat, Allah describes the opposite scenario: what happens to those who do not embrace the gift of knowledge of revelation. The surat is coming full circle.

In these verses, Allah tells us about a sound fact, that any disgrace that we incur in this world is not by anyone's doing except our own. Then in the following verses, Allah tells us about ways that disgrace can be incurned. One way is through misrepresenting the trials we face as not tests from God but as evil that leads us to either resentment of God or searching for ungodly means of relief (ie. in financial distress, lying/cheating/stealing to make financial gain).  A true believer worships God in good and bad times, sometimes wavering but always committed to going back to it. I remind myself that Allah does not exist to serve us, but rather we exist to serve Allah. When we degrade this essential principle of faith, our hearts are degraded and we are led 'to harm, not benefit'. 

#Harm #Benefit #Guidance

I truly relate to the tendency to resort to ungodly means of relief. When I was going through my exam stress and truly overtaken by fear I sough to find a quick-fix/fast method of self soothing that was unislamic. May Allah swt forgive me and allow me to overcome this and never repeat in times of difficulty. Please pray for me