The Hypocrites’ Parable Exposition on Faith & Deception

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

اللَّـهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:15

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

Allah shall pay them back their mockery, and He leaves them alone in their inordinacy, blindly wandering on. Surah Baqarah 2:15

اللَّـهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

Allah shall pay them back their mockery… Surah Baqarah 2:15

Allah says: O Muhammad! Allah will give the reprisal of this mockery in this world as well as in the Hereafter.

اللَّـهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

And He leaves them alone in their inordinacy… Surah Baqarah 2:15

He will also, because of His leniency, give them respite and grant them time to repent, and I promise forgiveness if they repent.

اللَّـهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

…blindly wandering on. Surah Baqarah 2:15

They will remain restless and confused as they will not refrain from this mean habit of harassing Muhammad and Ali (a.s.) as much as they can.

Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) said: In this world, Allah’s manner of mocking them is that they are being dealt with as per Islamic rules because of their oral (outward) acceptance of Islam and, therefore the Prophet of Allah is treating them nicely and lawfully yet sarcastically until sincere believers understand what is behind this piquant gesture and so, as ordered by Allah, curse them (the hypocrites who make a show of belief).

سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُم بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ

Peace be on you because you were constant, how excellent, is then, the issue of the abode. Surah Raad 13:24

فَالْيَوْمَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنَ الْكُفَّارِ يَضْحَكُونَ

So today those who believe shall laugh at the unbelievers. Surah Mutaffifeen 83:34

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:16

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُا الضَّلَالَةَ بِالْهُدَىٰ فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَارَتُهُمْ وَمَا كَانُوا مُهْتَدِينَ

These are they who buy error for the right direction, so their bargain shall bring no gain, nor are they the followers of the right direction. Surah Baqarah 2:16

At that point, the devotees who see the deceivers will call them by their names, inquiring of them: “Why are you enduring in this disfavor? Come, we are opening the windows of Heaven so that you may be freed from torment and share the bounties of Heaven with us.”

Hearing this, the charlatans and the unbelievers will answer: “How can we attain your joys?”

The devotees will say: “Just look at these doors of Heaven.”

At that point, the tormented ones will see and feel that maybe they will be freed from the torment of boiling water. So they will attempt to reach those doors, but they will be continually hit by flames until they reach the doors only to find them closed. The hits of the flames will once again thrust them back into Hellfire and boiling water. The devotees will laugh at them, leaning back on their luxurious beds, and deride them. In brief, this is what is meant by the divine words.

These are those who bought waywardness in exchange for guidance. Therefore, their trade did not give them any benefit, and they are not to gain guidance.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) said that Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) explained:

أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُا الضَّلَالَةَ بِالْهُدَىٰ

“These are they who buy error for the right direction…”

These individuals traded guidance for waywardness, essentially selling the religion of Allah and purchasing disbelief.

فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَارَتُهُمْ

“So their bargain shall bring no gain…”

Their transaction will yield no benefit in the Hereafter because they exchanged Paradise, promised to them through their initial acceptance of Faith, for Hell and its various chastisements.

وَمَا كَانُوا مُهْتَدِينَ

“Nor are they the followers of the right direction.” (Surah Baqarah 2:16)

Thus, they will be unable to follow the path leading to truth and righteousness.

Upon the revelation of this verse, a group came to the Holy Prophet (S) and shared stories about people who had experienced drastic changes in fortune. One story was about a poor man who became rich through a successful sea voyage, while another was about a wealthy man who lost everything in a storm.

After listening, the Prophet (S) said he could tell them about someone whose condition had improved even more than the first man and another whose condition was worse than the second. The audience eagerly asked for this information.

The Prophet (S) explained: A person whose condition is better is one who has sincere faith in Allah and His Messenger, and who deeply respects Muhammad’s brother and legatee, Ali (a.s.). Allah and His Messenger are pleased with such a person, granting them the good of this world and the Hereafter, a tongue to praise Allah, and a heart grateful for divine bounties, willingly carrying out Allah’s commands. This person endures hardships from the enemies of Muhammad and his progeny (a.s.) with patience. Allah elevates this person in both this world and the heavens, bestowing upon them His mercies and pleasures, making their trade the most profitable among all trades.

Conversely, one whose condition worsens is someone who initially gives allegiance to the Prophet’s brother, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), shows friendship towards him, but then breaks this allegiance and befriends his enemies. This person drowns in bad deeds and is ultimately cast into the eternal hellfire, suffering a terrible loss in both worlds.

The Prophet (S) then emphasized the importance of respecting those Allah has honored, particularly Ali Ibn Abi Talib, and of befriending his friends and enmity towards his enemies. He highlighted the rewards of such loyalty and the dire consequences of abandoning it.

On Judgment Day, a Shia man burdened with immense sins will call out for help in the grand gathering. Ali (a.s.) and the believers who he treated well will intercede for him, offering their good deeds to balance his sins. Allah, in His mercy, will forgive this man’s sins for the love he showed towards Ali (a.s.). Ali (a.s.) will then guarantee the settling of remaining disputes, resulting in the man’s admission to Paradise along with his intercessors. This demonstrates the immense value of sincere love and loyalty towards Ali (a.s.) and the Prophet’s family.

The Prophet (S) concluded by comparing the eternal rewards in Paradise for the faithful and sincere to the bitter torment of the tree of Zaqqoom prepared for the enemies of Ali (a.s.), highlighting the stark contrast between the fates of the loyal and the disloyal.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:17-18

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي اسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا فَلَمَّا أَضَاءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ ذَهَبَ اللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ لَا يُبْصِرُونَ {17}

صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ {18}

Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness- they do not see. Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back. Surah Baqarah 2:17-18

The example of hypocrites is like those who ignite a fire in a dark night, and when everything around them is lit up, Allah withdraws their light, leaving them in darkness so that they cannot see anything. These hypocrites are deaf, dumb, and blind and will never return to Faith.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) narrated that Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) said:

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي اسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا فَلَمَّا أَضَاءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ ذَهَبَ اللَّـهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ

“Their parable is like the parable of one who kindled a fire but when it had illumined all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in utter darkness – they do not see.” (Surah Baqarah 2:17)

These hypocrites are like someone who lights a fire to see around them, but Allah extinguishes the light, leaving them in darkness. This reflects the hypocrites who publicly profess faith in Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad (S), and acknowledge Ali (a.s.) as his successor, yet secretly harbor disbelief. Due to their public testimony, they live among Muslims, receive their support, and are treated as brothers in faith. However, when they face Allah after death, their hidden disbelief is exposed, and they face divine punishment, their light extinguished, leaving them in the darkness of Allah’s wrath.

Allah further says:

صُمٌّ بُكْمٌ عُمْيٌ فَهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ

“Deaf, dumb (and) blind, so they will not turn back.” (Surah Baqarah 2:18)

In the Hereafter, they will be deaf, dumb, and blind, unable to return to Faith.

Another verse in the Holy Quran states:

وَمَن يَهْدِ اللَّـهُ فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِهِ وَنَحْشُرُهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَىٰ وُجُوهِهِمْ عُمْيًا وَبُكْمًا وَصُمًّا مَّأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ كُلَّمَا خَبَتْ زِدْنَاهُمْ سَعِيرًا

“And We will gather them together on Judgment Day on their faces, blind and dumb and deaf; their abode is hell; whenever it becomes allayed We will add to their burning.” (Surah Bani Israel 17:97)

On Judgment Day, they will be dragged on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf, and their abode will be Hell. When its fire becomes mild, it will be rekindled, intensifying their torment.

The Holy Prophet (S) said: Anyone who outwardly gives allegiance to Amirul Momineen (a.s.) but harbors hypocrisy will face dire consequences at the time of death. As the angel of death approaches, they will see Iblees and his helpers, along with the terrifying punishments of Hell. They will also see the rewards they could have received had they remained loyal to Ali (a.s.). The Angel of Death will tell them about the heavenly pleasures they lost and the punishments they now face due to breaking their allegiance.

At that moment, they will say:

وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَىٰ يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا

“O! Would that I had taken a way with the Apostle.” (Surah Furqan 25:27)

They will regret not following the Prophet’s path and not accepting the friendship of Ali’s friends, realizing too late the consequences of their actions.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:19

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَاتٌ وَرَعْدٌ وَبَرْقٌ يَجْعَلُونَ أَصَابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِم مِّنَ الصَّوَاعِقِ حَذَرَ الْمَوْتِ وَاللَّـهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ

Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death, and Allah encompasses the unbelievers. Surah Baqarah 2:19

Here’s a revised version for clarity and grammar:

The parable of these hypocrites can be likened to a group caught in a rainstorm, where the sky is darkened by clouds, thunder roars, and lightning flashes. Out of fear, they plug their ears to avoid the terrifying sounds, afraid they might die. Allah has surrounded these deniers.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) narrated that Allah has provided another example for the hypocrites. He explains that the likeness of the Quran, which addresses these hypocrites, is similar to a severe rainstorm.

“Or like abundant rain from the cloud in which is utter darkness and thunder and lightning; they put their fingers into their ears because of the thunder peal, for fear of death. Allah encompasses the unbelievers.” (Surah Baqarah 2:19)

The Quran contains the message of Allah’s Oneness, the confirmation of Muhammad’s (S) prophethood, and clear evidence that Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) deserves the position and leadership given to him by the Prophet (S). This truth is like a heavy rainstorm with darkness, thunder, and lightning for the hypocrites. They reject Ali’s (a.s.) leadership and live in constant fear that Muhammad (S) will uncover their hypocrisy.

Just as a person in a storm fears for their life, covering their ears against the thunder, these hypocrites are in a state of perpetual fear. They fear that if the Prophet (S) discovers their deceit, it will lead to their destruction. They are like someone who fears that lightning might strike their heart or head, dreading that their duplicity might be exposed.

“The lightning is about to dazzle their eyes. Whenever this lightning lightens the path they begin to walk forward, but stop walking when darkness falls all around the next moment. If Allah so wills, He may snatch away the faculties of sight and hearing, because Allah is powerful over all things.” (Surah Baqarah 2:20)

The lightning almost blinds them. When it lights up the path, they move forward, but as soon as it gets dark again, they stop. Similarly, these hypocrites briefly show faith when it suits them, but their true nature is revealed when the light fades. If Allah wills, He could take away their ability to see and hear, as He is all-powerful.

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) further elaborates that whenever the hypocrites hear Muhammad (S) cursing those who break Ali’s (a.s.) allegiance and warning of Allah’s punishment, they become fearful. They worry that the Prophet’s (S) loyal companions might discover their true nature and act against them as commanded by Muhammad (S).

Allah’s encompassing knowledge and power mean He can reveal their hypocrisy to the Prophet (S) and instruct him on dealing with them:

“And Allah encompasses the unbelievers.” (Surah Baqarah 2:19)

Allah has complete knowledge of these unbelievers and can expose their inner deceit whenever He chooses.

Exegesis of Surah Baqarah: Verse 2:20

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Regarding the Almighty’s words:

يَكَادُ الْبَرْقُ يَخْطَفُ أَبْصَارَهُمْ كُلَّمَا أَضَاءَ لَهُم مَّشَوْا فِيهِ وَإِذَا أَظْلَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ قَامُوا وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّـهُ لَذَهَبَ بِسَمْعِهِمْ وَأَبْصَارِهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

The lightning almost takes away their sight; whenever it shines on them they walk in it, and when it becomes dark to them they stand still; and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have taken away their hearing and sight; surely Allah has power over all things. Surah Baqarah 2:20

The situation of these hypocrites can be compared to people caught in a continuous lightning storm. The lightning flashes so frequently that they close their eyes and cover their faces, unable to see the path. They focus only on the lightning itself. Similarly, these hypocrites are confronted with clear verses and miracles that confirm their prophethood and the truth of Ali’s (a.s.) Imamate. However, they fail to reflect on these signs, leading to the nullification of their deeds. Their rejection of one truth results in the rejection of all truths.
Allah states: “It is about to happen that the lightning may dazzle their eyes.” (Surah Baqarah 2:20) This means the lightning might temporarily illuminate their path, allowing them to walk for a moment. This momentary clarity mirrors the hypocrites’ brief understanding when the truth becomes evident to them, and they act upon it.
These hypocrites used to attribute their prosperity to their outward allegiance to Ali (a.s.). When their mares bore female foals, their women gave birth to sons, their fields and gardens produced ample fruits and grains, their trade flourished, and their camels gave more milk, they said it was due to their allegiance to Ali (a.s.). They believed Ali’s (a.s.) fortune brought them these blessings, so they maintained apparent obedience to him to continue benefiting from his perceived luck.
However, when they faced hardships, such as their mares not bearing female foals, their women not giving birth to sons, their fields and gardens failing, and their trade suffering, they stopped attributing their good fortune to their allegiance. Instead, they blamed their misfortune on their allegiance to Ali (a.s.) and Muhammad’s (S) messengers. This behavior reflects another verse of the Quran:

Here’s a revised version with corrections:

“If a benefit comes to them, they say: ‘This is from Allah’; and if a misfortune befalls them, they say: ‘This is from you.’ Say: ‘All is from Allah.'” (Surah Nisa 4:78)

When they faced loss, they blamed Muhammad (S), saying it was due to him. Allah instructs Muhammad (S) to tell these infidels that both good and bad are from Allah, as everything happens through His will and command, not due to Muhammad’s misfortune or fortune.

Allah continues:

“The lightning is about to dazzle their eyes. Whenever it shines on them, they walk in it, but when it becomes dark around them, they stand still. And if Allah had pleased, He would certainly have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.” (Surah Baqarah 2:20)

If Allah wills, He can take away their ability to see and hear, leaving them unable to save themselves from their circumstances. This also means that Muhammad (S) and his companions, along with other believers, may not become aware of their disbelief. If their disbelief were exposed, it would lead to their punishment as ordered by Muhammad (S).

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.”