“Those are the ones who have purchased error [in exchange] for guidance, so their transaction has brought no profit, nor were they guided. Their example is that of one who kindled a fire, but when it illuminated what was around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness [so] they could not see.” Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verses 16-17.
Those who have abandoned the good characteristics taught in the Holy Quran and in the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and instead remain steadfast on bad characteristics are the ones who have accepted misguidance. This is a foolish choice as they will not gain any true benefit in this world or the next. In reality, their negative traits will only make them suffer one problem after another in both worlds. Any worldly blessings they obtain will only become a burden for them and the source of their anxiety, stress and depression.
In addition, these verses indicate the importance of striving to obtain and act on useful knowledge in order to strengthen one’s faith. A muslim cannot adopt laziness, as weak faith will not benefit them during tests and trials. In fact, these muslims are in danger of losing their faith before leaving this world. When a muslim fails to obtain and act on useful knowledge they have in fact exchanged guidance for misguidance. This is because knowledge will never truly profit its bearer if they fail to act on it. It is important to understand acting on knowledge encourages one to fulfil the commands of Allah, the Exalted, refrain from His prohibitions and face destiny with patience. Knowledge by itself does not achieve these vital goals. This has been indicated in verse 17.
The one who gains knowledge but fails to act on it is like the one who lights a fire on a very cold night yet does not derive benefit from it by utilizing its heat. Or they are like the one who obtains knowledge which illuminates the path of success in both worlds yet fails to utilise this illumination by physically journeying down the correct path. When one acts in this way Allah, the Exalted, will extinguish the benefit one can derive from their knowledge so that they become like an empty shell. In this case, the knowledge they possess will not help them in this world and it will testify against them in the hereafter. Muslims will only benefit from knowledge when they act on it. This has been indicated in the following verse. Chapter 13 Ar Ra’d, verse 11:
“…Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves…”
Muslims must understand that possessing worldly knowledge will not help them in the material world if they fail to act on it. For example, a doctor will not help others or gain a salary if they fail to practically implement their medical knowledge by treating the sick. Unfortunately, many muslims believe they can either remain ignorant or fail to act on their religious knowledge and still gain benefit from it in both worlds. This is simply absurd.
PodTafseer: Al-Baqarah – Part 22: https://youtu.be/JGDLrAgJNiA
PodTafseer: Al-Baqarah – Part 22: https://fb.watch/3TgIQeV5Pa/
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