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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Morals Balam Baoor: a Materialist and a Deviated Scholar As you have observed, the above verses have not mentioned anyone's name but they talk about a learned scholar who had started walking on the true path in such a manner that no one imagined he would deviate at any time. Yet world-worship, lust, greed and passion dragged him to such an extent that finally he entered the line of the deviators and became a follower of the Devil.

However, many traditions and commentaries tell us that the name of the man in question was Balam Baoor who lived in the time of Moosa (a.s.) and was regarded as one of the famous scholars of Bani Israel. So much so that even Moosa (a.s.) benefited from him as a powerful propagator. He had advanced so much in the right path that God answered his prayer.

But due to his inclination toward Firaun, and his promises and threats he deviated from the true path and lost all his value and finally became an opponent of Moosa (a.s.). Though this verse has come in context of Balam Baoor, it is not limited to him. So Imam Baqir (a.s.) is reported to have said, Originally the ayat refers to Balam Baoor, then the Lord Almighty mentioned it as an example of one who gave preference to passion, lust and greed over God-worship.

The likeness of those who were charged with the Taurat, then they did not observe it, is as the likeness of the ass bearing books, evil is the likeness of the people who reject the communications of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people. What! Do you enjoin men to be good and neglect your own souls while you read the Book; have you then no sense?

The Holy Quran, in this verse, rebukes Bani Israel and asks them: Why do you call upon people to do good but keep yourselves away from that good deed and forget to give admonition and advice to yourselves? Woe, then, to those who write the book with their hands and then say: This is from Allah, so that they may take for it a small price; therefore woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn.

Though this ayat has been revealed about Bani Israel it is not restricted to them and includes all the learned people who hide the truth and give preference to their personal interests over truths of religion. O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do.