⦗122⦘ “The believers should not all go forth together. If only a group from every section of them were to go forth, so that those who remain might gain a sound understanding of religion and warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware.”

Allah Most High says, calling His believing servants’ attention to what they should do: “The believers should not all go forth together”—that is, all of them should not set out to fight their enemy, for this would cause them hardship and result in the loss of many other interests. “If only a group from every section of them”—that is, from every town, tribe, and clan—“were to go forth.” It would be better for a group sufficient to meet the need and accomplish the objective to set out.

He then points out that there are benefits in some of them remaining behind and not setting out—benefits they would miss if they went forth. He says: “So that they might gain a sound understanding”—that is, those who remain behind—“of religion and warn their people when they return to them.” In other words, they should acquire knowledge of the sacred law, understand its meanings, grasp its subtleties, teach others, and warn their people when they return to them.

This demonstrates the virtue of knowledge, especially a sound understanding of religion, and shows that it is among the most important of all matters. Whoever acquires knowledge must spread and disseminate it among the people and offer them sincere counsel through it. Indeed, the dissemination of a scholar’s knowledge forms part of its blessing and of the reward that continues to increase for him.

As for a scholar who keeps his knowledge to himself, does not call to the way of Allah with wisdom and good instruction, and fails to teach the ignorant what they do not know—what benefit have the Muslims gained from him? What fruit has his knowledge produced? His ultimate end is that when he dies, his knowledge and its fruits die with him. This is the utmost deprivation for one whom Allah has granted knowledge and endowed with understanding.

This verse also contains evidence, guidance, and a subtle indication of an important benefit: the Muslims should appoint someone to undertake each matter serving their common interests, devote his time to it, strive diligently in it, and remain focused upon it alone. In this way, their interests will be secured and their benefits fully realized, while they all share a single direction and one ultimate objective: the welfare of their religion and their worldly lives. Although the paths may diverge and the approaches may vary, the deeds are diverse but the objective is one. This is universal wisdom that is beneficial in every matter.