When Light Is Unwelcome: Opposition Against The Obvious Truth Due to Hidden Motives, Ignorance, Envy, Mutual Rivalry, Etc
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated regarding some of the reasons that makes humankind resist the truth:
Ignorance:
This reason is mostly what overwhelms the majority of people, for indeed the one who is ignorant of something will show enmity to it and its people. If in addition to this reason, (the person) hates the one who commands him to (follow) the truth, harbours enmity and envy, then this (i.e. reason behind being prevented from accepting the truth) becomes more intense. If in addition, it opposes the ones close to his heart, his customs, the one who nurtured him, the ways of his forefathers and the ones he loves and exalts, then this (i.e. the reason behind being prevented from accepting the truth) becomes even more intense. If in addition, he carries a wrong perception that the truth he is being called to (is an obstacle to) his status, honour, desires and goals, the (reason behind being prevented) from accepting the truth becomes very intense. If in addition to this, he fears his companions, his family and his people, (fears for) himself, his wealth and status – just as what happened to Heraclius, the king of the Christians in Sham during the era of Allaah’s Messenger peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, then the reason (behind being prevented from accepting the truth) increases even greater. This is because indeed Heraclius knew the truth and had a desire to accept Islam, but his people did not obey him, thus, he feared for himself and chose disbelief over Islam after guidance was made clear to him.
Envy:
It is one of the greatest causes (behind being prevented from accepting the truth), because indeed it is an ingrained disease in the soul. The envier sees that the one he envies has been given virtue over him or has been given the likes of that which he has not been given, thus, this envy prevents him from complying with (the truth). Iblees was not prevented from prostrating to Adam [i.e. out of respect, when Allah commanded him and the angels to do so], except out of envy, because when he saw that Adam, peace be upon him, was given virtue and raised above him, he chose disbelief over Iman, even though he used to be in the company of the angels.
This disease is what prevented the Yahud from believing in Eesaa the son of Maryam, peace and blessings of Allah be upon both him, even though they knew -without doubt – that he was a Messenger of Allah, who came with clear proofs and guidance, however envy led them to choose disbelief over Iman and complied with it, even though they were a nation amongst whom were Rabbis, scholars, Zuhhad, judges, kings and rulers.
Fear of losing one’s status and prestige:
Conversation between Abu Jahl and His Nephew Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah
Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah: O my uncle! Did you use to accuse Muhammad of lying before he started saying what he says now [i.e. his call to Tawheed]?
Abu Jahl: By Allah, indeed Muhammad was a trustworthy young man amongst us and we never experienced lying from him.
Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah: O my uncle! So why is it that you do not follow him?
Abu Jahl: “O son of my sister! We competed with Banu Hashim in nobility; they used to feed (the pilgrims) and we used to feed the (pilgrims); they used to provide water for (the pilgrims) and we used to provide water for (the pilgrims); they used to give protection (to the people) and we used to give protection until we were equal [i.e. in competing one another for nobility]. Then they said, “There is a Prophet from us”, so when are we going to get something similar to this!!
Conversation between Abu Jahl and Akhnas Bin Shuraiq
Akhnas Bin Shuraiq said to Abu Jahl on the day of Badr: O Abul Hakam! Inform me about Muhammad, as to whether he is a truthful person or a liar, for indeed there is no one here from Quraish who will hear our speech?
Abu Jahl replied to Akhnas: Woe to you! By Allah, indeed Muhammad is a truthful person and Muhammad has never lied, but if Banu Qusay take the leadership, the position of gatekeepers of the Kabah, providers of water for the pilgrims and Prophet hood [i.e. the Prophet Muhammad is from their clan], then what will the rest of Quraish have?!
An Excerpt from Hidayah Al-Hayara Fee Ajwibah Al-Yahud Wan-Nasaraa’ pages 17-19