They are like him who kindled a fire. However, when the fire had just lit all around him God took away their light and left them in darkness, unseeing. (Baqara 2:17)

This verse vividly illustrates the inner world of the hypocrites in an allegorical style. The hypocrites of the early years of Islam coexisted with Muslims; thus they could occasionally glimpse the light of faith, at least out of the corner of their eyes. Nevertheless, the dissent in their hearts and minds did not allow them to be adequately nourished from this light.

These hypocrites looked but could not see the torch in the hand of the Blessed Prophet, for either their frivolous gaze undermined and dimmed the light or deceit dulled their natural disposition and aptitudes. On the outside they appeared to be looking, but in the face of the dazzling light of the torch, instead of intensifying their focus to see, by doubts and questions they neutralized the dynamism that was activated in their soul, rendering it completely inefficient. Furthermore, far from making use of the light to see their path, they conceived of plans as to how they could start a fire out of it; the word "kindle" in the verse seems to refer to both of these interpretations.

Nonbelievers, on the other hand, had not had any opportunity to cross paths with faith nor to catch even a glitter of its illuminating gleams. They had never experienced its enchanting and blissful atmosphere. This is why once nonbelievers felt the light of faith, they would never deviate from it—with the exception of those who were determined in their disbelief—and they strived to maintain a life in sincere devotion. This radical change is no doubt rooted in the black-and-white difference between disbelief and belief. It was like waking up to a new life and leaving behind another which was totally different, and they could observe Islam with all its charm. The piety of those who savor Islam for the first time in their lives is clearly revealed when compared with those who are born into and grow up in a Muslim society.