Man who Kindled a Fire (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:17-18)

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu



The Example of the Hypocrites

Allah likened the hypocrites when they bought deviation with guidance, thus acquiring utter blindness, to the example of a person who started a fire. When the fire was lit, and illuminated the surrounding area, the person benefited from it and felt safe. Then the fire was suddenly extinguished. Therefore, total darkness covered this person, and he became unable to see anything or find his way out of it. Further, this person could not hear or speak and became so blind that even if there were light, he would not be able to see. This is why he cannot return to the state that he was in before this happened to him. Such is the case with the hypocrites who preferred misguidance over guidance, deviation over righteousness. This parable indicates that the hypocrites first believed, then disbelieved, just as Allah stated in other parts of the Qur'an.
Allah's statement,

Allah removed their light means, Allah removed what benefits them, and this is the light, and He left them with what harms them, that is, the darkness and smoke. Allah said,

And left them in darkness, that is their doubts, disbelief and hypocrisy.

(So) they could not see meaning, they are unable to find the correct path or find its direction. In addition, they are,

deaf and thus cannot hear the guidance,

dumb and cannot utter the words that might benefit them,

and blind in total darkness and deviation.

Reference: Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged) English version.