Surah 14:4
"We have not sent any messenger except in the language of his people, so that he might make (things) clear to them. Then God leads astray whomever He pleases and guides whomever He pleases. He is the Mighty, the Wise."
Scope of the Messenger's Mission
Opposing Verses
Surah 21:107 → "We have sent you only as a mercy to the worlds."
Surah 34:28 → "We have sent you only as a bringer of good news and a warner to the people all together. But most of the people do not know (it)."
Surah 7:158 → "Say: ‘People! Surely I am the messenger of God to you – all (of you) – (the messenger of) the One to whom (belongs) the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. (There is) no god but Him. He gives life and causes death. So believe in God and His messenger, the prophet of the common people, who believes in God and His words, (and) follow him, so that you may be (rightly) guided.’"
Does the Quran state that messengers are sent exclusively to their own people, or to all of humanity? Some verses state that messengers are only sent in the language of their own people, while other verses state that Muhammad was sent to all people.
God's Mercy vs. Leading Astray
Supporting Verses
Surah 6:35 → "But if their aversion is hard on you, (even) if you were able to seek out an opening in the earth, or a ladder into the sky, to bring them a sign [. . .]. If God had (so) pleased, He would indeed have gathered them to the guidance. Do not be one of the ignorant."
Opposing Verses
Surah 6:12 → "Say: ‘To whom (belongs) whatever is in the heavens and the earth?’ Say: ‘To God. He has prescribed mercy for Himself. He will indeed gather you to the Day of Resurrection – (there is) no doubt about it. Those who have lost their (own) selves, they do not believe."
Has God bound Himself to mercy, or does He intentionally lead people astray? Some verses state that God has prescribed mercy for Himself, while others state that He intentionally leads whomever He pleases astray.