Balaam Son of Beor; A Deceived Scholar
However, this also creates more responsibility for them and if they are not careful, it can cause conceit and rebellion and lead to deviation. Balaam, the son of Beor, is one of these characters who has been introduced in the Quran.
Balaam was a scholar of the Bani Israil and lived in a village in the Levant at the time of Prophet Moses (AS). He followed the religion of Abraham (AS) and people came to him to predict the future and prayer for them.
He was a faithful man and even Moses (AS) approved of him as a religious propagator. He had such a spiritual status that his prayers were answered immediately.
However, such a personality changed suddenly. He deviated from the right path and lost all his spiritual status after being deceived by pharaoh’s promises. He even became one of stubborn opponents of Moses (AS).
Some other reasons have also been mentioned for his deviation, including Mormonism, leading Bani Israil to corruption, and his being envious of Moses (AS).
The Quran cites his story without naming him:
“(Muhammad), tell them the story of the person whom We inspired with Our guidance, but who detached himself from it and who was then pursued by Satan until he turned into a rebel. Had We wanted, We could have raised him to an exalted position but he clung to his earthly life and followed his own (evil) desires. Such person's bad habits are like those of a lazy dog (in a warm climate) who always has its tongue hanging out whether you chase it away or leave it alone. Such are the people who have called Our revelations mere lies. (Muhammad), tell them such stories so that perhaps they will think.” (Verses 175-6 of Surah Al-A’raf)
Although there is no mention of Balaam in these verses, some signs in the verses as well as Hadiths show that they refer to Balaam. May be one of the reason for not naming him is to show that in every period there are scholars like him who are knowledgeable and guided but are vulnerable and can go astray.
Balaam and all other scholars who give in to worldly desires or to envy and put their spiritual and intellectual capacities at the service of tyrants and oppressors are actually doing injustice to themselves and a grim fate awaits them.
