The Holy Quran 2:17 — Surah Al-Baqarah

Arabic text

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا فَلَمَّآ أَضَآءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُۥ ذَهَبَ ٱللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتٍ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ

Translation

Their likeness (the comparison of the hypocrites) is like that of people who lit a fire. When the surroundings lit up (and they enjoyed the light, heat and security of the fire), Allaah took away their light and left them in the darkness, unable to see (they cannot find their way and are scared. Similarly, while the hypocrites are pleased to pose as Mu'mineen and enjoy their security, they will panic when they die and face punishment in the Aakhirah.).

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

The first example of the hypocrites: that is, the example of the hypocrites is like that of someone who lights a fire in a forest on a pitch-dark, overcast night in order to see the way; and when the fire has blazed up and the path is about to come into view, Almighty Allah puts it out, and he is left standing in the forest in the dark night, seeing nothing.

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