They have purchased error in exchange for guidance — the commercial metaphor is precise. A transaction involves a willing exchange; the hypocrites were not compelled into their condition. They saw guidance available to them and chose error in its place, calculating that error would serve them better. But the Quran notes their trade was an absolute loss: they did not benefit from their commerce and were not guided. draws the spiritual lesson that every human being stands perpetually at this choice — the soul always has the option to turn toward its Lord. Choosing against that turn, repeatedly and knowingly, is what the Quran calls the ultimate bad bargain.

— Reflection, TathirQuran reflection — pending scholarly review