Taken from the Lectures of Nikkonam (May His Soul Rest in Peace), Session (515)
Verse 174 of Surah Al-Baqarah is one of the prominent verses of the Holy Qur'an that, with its decisive and clear expression, condemns those who conceal divine truths for material and transient motives. This verse, with its coherent structure and unparalleled eloquence, reminds the responsibility of the learned and elite members of society to spread divine truth, and clearly explains both the worldly and the hereafter consequences of concealing the truth. This paper aims to provide a scientific and specialized analysis of this verse, examining its linguistic meanings, rhetorical structure, and its moral and social consequences comprehensively. The goal is to offer a systematic and profound exegesis that will be beneficial for scholars, especially those in advanced religious studies.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَشْتَرُونَ بِهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُولَئِكَ مَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بَطُونِهِمْ إِلَّا النَّارَ وَلَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
"Indeed, those who conceal what Allah has revealed of the Book and exchange it for a small price, they consume nothing but fire into their bellies, and Allah will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, and for them is a painful punishment."
The verse introduces two main actions: concealing divine truths (ما أنزل الله) and exchanging it for insignificant worldly gains (ثمن قلیل). These actions lead to four consequences, each depicting an aspect of the punishment in the Hereafter. The language of the verse, using metaphors and vivid imagery, artistically portrays the severity of the sin of concealing the truth.
Key Point: Verse 174 of Surah Al-Baqarah not only portrays the concealment of divine truth as an individual sin, but as a transgressive act that deprives society of its collective good.
Concealment in this verse refers to the intentional hiding of divine truths for the sake of material and worldly gains. Unlike disbelief, which may stem from ignorance or lack of knowledge, concealment is a deliberate and conscious act committed by the learned and elite members of society. There are two main forms of concealment:
Both forms of concealment prevent the spread of goodness and guidance in society and are thus seen as a transgressive sin. This distinction underscores the heavy responsibility of the learned members of society, as they, due to their access to divine knowledge, are obligated to spread it.
Key Point: Concealing the truth is a deliberate and transgressive act that deprives society of its collective good, making it a sin heavier than individual disbelief.
The phrase "ثمن قلیل" (a small price) is a rhetorical metaphor emphasizing the insignificance of material gains in comparison to the greatness of divine truth. Even if the entire world were offered to the concealer, it would still be insignificant compared to the eternal value of ما أنزل الله. This metaphor, like a painting adorned with mismatched pieces, visually contrasts the greatness of divine truth with the meanness of worldly benefits.
By trading the truth for a small price, the concealers not only deprive themselves of eternal bliss, but also prevent society from receiving divine guidance. This act is like blocking the flow of a clear stream of truth, hindering the spread of goodness and guidance among the people.
Key Point: "ثمن قلیل" is a metaphor for the insignificance of all worldly gains when compared to divine truth, which the concealers mistakenly exchange for it.
The verse outlines four severe consequences for those who conceal the truth:
These four consequences, like the four corners of a building of punishment, depict the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions of the sin of concealment. The severity of these punishments illustrates the greater gravity of concealment compared to disbelief, as concealment deprives society of its collective good.
Key Point: The four consequences of concealment, from internal fire to severe punishment, highlight the profound impact of this sin on the soul and psyche of the concealers and society.
Concealing the truth not only has severe consequences in the Hereafter, but it also leads to destructive worldly effects. The elite, due to their unhealthy lifestyle and the psychological pressures of sin, often suffer from physical and mental diseases such as cancer, heart problems, and other ailments. This serves as a grim shadow, illustrating the connection between worldly and eternal punishment.
For instance, a comparison of the health status of the elite with that of the poor reveals that many chronic diseases, including cancer and digestive issues, are more common among the wealthy and intellectuals. This reflects the negative effects of concealment on both body and soul.
Key Point: Concealing the truth also manifests in
