(1–10) “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. He frowned and turned away * because the blind man came to him. * Yet how could you know? Perhaps he might be purified, * or take heed and thus benefit from the reminder. * As for the one who considers himself self-sufficient, * you give him your attention, * though you bear no responsibility if he does not purify himself. * But as for the one who comes to you striving, * while he is fearful, * you neglect him.”

The reason these noble verses were revealed was that a blind man from among the believers came to question the Prophet—may Allah bless him—and learn from him.

A wealthy man also came to him. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was eager to guide people, so he inclined [and listened attentively] to the wealthy man and turned away from the poor blind man, hoping to guide that wealthy man and that he might become purified. Allah therefore gently reproached him, saying: “He frowned”—[that is:] with his face—“and turned away” with his body because the blind man had come to him. He then explained the benefit of attending to him, saying: “Yet how could you know? Perhaps he”—meaning the blind man—“might be purified”; that is, cleansed of base character traits and adorned with noble ones?

“Or take heed and thus benefit from the reminder”; that is, he might remember what would benefit him and act (1) upon that reminder.

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This is a tremendous benefit and the intended purpose behind the sending of the messengers, the exhortations of preachers, and the reminders of those who admonish. Thus, giving your attention to one who has come of his own accord, in need of this from you (2), is more fitting and indeed incumbent. As for directing your attention and efforts toward the wealthy man who considers himself without need, who neither asks nor seeks a ruling because he has no desire for goodness, while neglecting someone more deserving of your attention, this is not appropriate. You bear no responsibility if he does not purify himself; if he fails to do so, you will not be held accountable for the evil he commits.

This demonstrates the well-known principle: “A known matter is not to be forsaken for one merely imagined, nor a certain benefit for a merely presumed benefit.” It also shows that a student of knowledge who needs it and eagerly seeks it should receive greater attention than others.