Thus, even though they may be highly skilled in matters of invention and industry, they are, in truth, ignorant—unworthy of being described as possessors of knowledge. Their expertise never rises above the outward façade of worldly life, and such truncated knowledge does not entitle its holders to the honorable title of “scholars.” That term properly belongs only to those who know Allah and stand in awe of Him, as He says: “Only those among His servants who truly fear Allah are the scholars” (Fāṭir 35:28).

The same materialistic outlook appears in the story of Qārūn and the treasures Allah granted him: “He went forth before his people in all his splendor, and those who desired the life of this world said, ‘If only we had the like of what Qārūn has been given! Truly, he is a man of great fortune’” (al-Qaṣaṣ 28:79). Enamored by their material perspective, they envied him and praised his “great fortune.”

Much the same happens today with the industrial and economic advances of the unbelieving nations. Muslims whose faith is weak gaze upon them with admiration, heedless of their disbelief and the evil fate that awaits them. This misguided perception drives such Muslims to exaggerate the worth of the disbelievers and to defer to them with undue respect.