5:98 Know that GOD is strict in enforcing retribution, and that GOD is Forgiving, Most Merciful.
5:99 The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver the message, and GOD knows everything you declare and everything you conceal.
5:100 Proclaim: “The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence GOD, (even if you are in the minority) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed.”
Interesting that God is speaking of “enforcing retribution”, but ends the verse by reminding us that He is “Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
An example of people being impressed by an abundance of bad is Qaaroon.
Qaaroon
28:76 Qaaroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses’ people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, “Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant.
28:77 “Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors.”
28:78 He said, “I attained all this because of my own cleverness.” Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.
28:79 One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, “Oh, we wish that we possessed what Qaaroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate.”
The Real Wealth
28:80 As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, “Woe to you, GOD’s recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life.” None attains this except the steadfast.
The Tyrants’ Inevitable Fate
28:81 We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner.
28:82 Those who were envious of him the day before said, “Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD’s grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.”
One with God is the majority.
Example of Abraham:
21:57 “I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave.”
21:58 He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it.
21:59 They said, “Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor.”
21:60 They said, “We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham.”
21:61 They said, “Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness.”
21:62 They said, “Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?” Abraham Proves His Point
21:63 He said, “It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak.”
21:64 They were taken aback, and said to themselves, “Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing.”
21:65 Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: “You know full well that these cannot speak.”
21:66 He said, “Do you then worship beside GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you?
21:67 “You have incurred shame by worshiping idols beside GOD. Do you not understand?” Profound Miracle
21:68 They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do.”
21:69 We said, “O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.”*
A rich life with less stuff | The Minimalists | TEDxWhitefish