Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness

They ﴾يَجْعَلُونَ أَصَابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِمْ﴿ “They put their fingers in their ears”:

This means that they do not look at the rain that, with it, Allah U gives life to the Earth after its death, nor do they look at the goodness which surrounds them. Rather, they thrust their fingers into their ears due to extreme fear. And Allah U encompasses all around the disbelievers.

As-Soyyib: The rain that brings goodness. It is also called Al-Ghaith.

However, this rain also brings with it, utter darkness, lightning and thunder. So, the goodness comes from the rain, but fear can arise from the darkness, thunder and lightning.

At the same time as goodness is being granted, a person could also be afflicted with some trials. The rain gives life to the Earth and people. Thus, it is among the greatest blessings that Allah U has bestowed on mankind, despite the fact that it normally comes with thunder and darkness. However, some people might totally ignore the goodness because they are occupied with looking at the small things surrounding this goodness. They are those who wish for guidance without afflictions and success without getting tired.

﴾يَجْعَلُونَ أَصَابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِمْ﴿

“They put their fingers in their ears”:

Allah U does not say that they thrust their fingertips in their ears, but instead He uses the word fingers. Here, Allah U illustrates their extreme fear. It is as if they had inserted their whole fingers into their ears due to their fear of the thunderclaps. And Allah U encompasses the disbelievers.

(19) - “Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky within which is darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers.”