It is He Who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and Wisdom [i.e., Sunnah], although before that they were clearly misguided.
The similitude of those who were given the Torah but failed to uphold it[1], is like that of a donkey laden with books[2]. How terrible is the similitude of those who reject the verses of Allah! And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
[1] i.e., did not put its teachings into practice.
[2] i.e., They carry the physical burden of the books but are unaware of their contents and do not benefit from them.
But they will never wish for it because of what their hands have sent forth[3]. And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.
[3] Such as disobedience to Allah, distorting of the scriptures, killing of the prophets, claiming to have killed Jesus, accusing Mary of adultery, devouring peoples' wealth unlawfully and usury, etc. See 4:153-158.
Say, “The death from which you run away will surely overcome you, then you will be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”
O you who believe, when the call for prayer is made on Friday, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trading. That is better for you, if only you knew.
When they see some merchandise or amusement, they rush towards it and leave you standing. Say, “That which is with Allah is better than amusement and merchandise, and Allah is the Best of Providers.”
