[10]. Every corrupt tree that bears no good fruit is uprooted from the face of the earth and cast into the fire. Likewise, people are known by their words and their deeds — for every word spoken and every action performed is the fruit of the heart. Sinners sin because that is what fills their hearts. Thieves steal, the immoral transgress, and adulterers betray, because such deeds are the bitter fruits produced by a diseased and corrupted heart. A bad heart yields bad fruit — words that harm, actions that destroy. But a good heart bears good fruit — words of kindness, deeds of mercy, and acts of righteousness that bring light, healing, and peace. For as the heart is, so will be the life that springs from it.
Our speech and conduct are mirrors of the soul. When the heart is nourished by faith, purified through remembrance, and watered by repentance, it blossoms with goodness and beauty. But when it is left to arrogance, envy, or heedlessness, it withers — and its fruit becomes bitter.
[11]. The testimony of faith that there is no deity except Allāh and that Muḥammad ﷺ is the messenger of Allāh.
[12]. This rebukes those — individuals or nations — who receive Allāh’s blessings of faith, peace, and prosperity, yet replace gratitude with denial and lead others astray, causing moral and eternal ruin.
It’s a reminder that leadership without thankfulness leads to destruction, both for the self and the society that follows.
It is a direct warning against the arrogance of leaders and nations who receive Allāh’s blessings — revelation, prosperity, or security — and then replace gratitude with denial, using those blessings to spread corruption or disbelief.
It applies to anyone who uses wealth, power, or knowledge in ways that oppose their Giver.
It also reflects moral and social collapse in this world: when those in power lead others astray, their corruption spreads destruction both here and in the Hereafter.