Kitab-i-Iqan/Page1/GPT4 16

In every age, the reason for the deviation of the masses and their prevention from reaching the shores of the sea of divine unity has been the scholars of that age, who held the reins of the people in their hands. These leaders, some motivated by a love for leadership and others due to a lack of knowledge and understanding, hindered the people from recognizing the divine truth. It was due to the orders and verdicts of these scholars that all the Prophets had to drink from the chalice of martyrdom and ascended to the highest horizon of glory. Great injustices have been perpetrated by the leaders and scholars of every age against these sovereigns of existence and gems of divine purpose.

They remained content with these fleeting days and remained away from the realm that never perishes, depriving their eyes of witnessing the lights of the beloved's beauty, and making their ears deprived of the unique melodies of the desired Beloved. This is why the conditions of the scholars of every age have been mentioned in all divine scriptures. As it is said: "O People of the Book! Why do you deny the signs of God while you bear witness to them?" (Quran 3:70). Similarly, it is said: "O People of the Book! Why do you mix truth with falsehood, and conceal the truth while you know?" (Quran 3:71). In another place, it is said: "Say, O People of the Book! Why do you block the path of God?" (Quran 3:99).

It is clear that the "People of the Book" who have hindered people from the straight path are the scholars of that age, as the names and descriptions of them are mentioned in the scriptures, and this is evident from most of the verses and narrations if you look through the lens of divine justice.