Allah Most High said, distinguishing between the two groups: “Those who believe and do not taint”—that is, mix—“their faith with wrongdoing: it is they who will have security, and they are rightly guided.” They will have security from fear, punishment, and misery, and they will be guided to the straight path. If they have not tainted their faith with any wrongdoing whatsoever—neither polytheism nor sins—they will attain perfect security and perfect guidance. If they refrain only from tainting their faith with polytheism, while still committing evil deeds, they will attain the foundation of guidance and security, though not their perfection. The noble verse implies that those who do not possess both of these qualities will have neither guidance nor security; rather, their lot is misguidance and misery.

When Allah had judged in favor of Abraham, peace be upon him, on account of the decisive proofs he had presented, He said: “That was Our argument, which We gave Abraham against his people.” That is, by it he prevailed over them and vanquished them in argument.

“We raise in rank whomever We will,” just as We raised the rank of Abraham, peace be upon him, in this world and the Hereafter. Through knowledge, Allah raises its possessor many ranks above His servants—especially the scholar who acts upon his knowledge and teaches it. Allah makes him a leader for the people in accordance with his standing: his actions are watched intently, his footsteps are followed, illumination is sought from his light, and through his knowledge people find their way amid pitch darkness.

Allah Most High says: “Allah will raise in rank those among you who believe and those who have been given knowledge.”

“Indeed, your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.” He therefore places knowledge and wisdom only where they belong, and He knows best who is suited to receive them and what is fitting for that person.