The Deep Meaning Behind Hearing & Sight in the Quran

Assalamu Alaikum, I was reflecting on a beautiful linguistic point in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 7. In this ayah, Allah (SWT) describes those whose hearts are sealed: 'Allah has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and their sight is covered...' What's really interesting is that Allah uses the singular word for 'hearing' (سمعهم) but the plural for 'sight' (أبصارهم). Why is that? Our classical scholars discussed this deeply. The way I understand it - and Allah knows best - hearing is essentially one single process. It's the physical ability to receive sound and messages. But sight? That's more complex. There's the physical sight with our eyes, and then there's the inner sight, the insight of the heart that recognizes truth. The Quran itself confirms this two-fold vision in another ayah (22:46) about hearts growing blind. So when someone's heart is sealed, their singular hearing becomes deaf to guidance, and both their physical AND inner sight become blind to Allah's signs. Another amazing thing here is how perfectly the metaphors fit: Allah uses 'seal' (ختم) for hearing - like sealing a container shut - because hearing is an inward faculty. And 'veil' (غشاوة) for sight - like covering a window - because sight is outward facing. The heart is the ultimate destination that faith cannot reach when sealed. Just some thoughts that made me appreciate the precision of Allah's words. What do you think? May Allah grant us understanding.