Surah al-Jumu‘ah
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

[Surah al-Jumu‘ah (62): verse 5]
“The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah but then failed to uphold it is that of a donkey carrying books. Wretched is the example of the people who deny Allah’s signs. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (5)

Allah, glorified be He, compares someone whom He has entrusted with His Book—to believe in it, act upon it, and call others to it—but who fails to do so and merely commits it to memory, reciting it without reflection, understanding, obedience, referring matters to its judgment, or acting according to its requirements, to a donkey carrying a load of books on its back, unaware of their contents. Its only share in them is carrying them on its back. Such a person’s share in Allah’s Book is like this donkey’s share in the books upon its back.

Although this parable was originally given concerning the Jews, its meaning also extends to anyone entrusted with the Quran who neglects to act upon it, fails to fulfil its rights, and does not give it the care it deserves.