Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. "Misguidance" refers to disbelief, and "guidance" refers to faith. [al-Ḥasan, Qatādah, al-Suddī]
2. "Misguidance" refers to doubt, and "guidance" refers to certainty.
3. "Misguidance" refers to ignorance, and "guidance" refers to knowledge.

What is meant by "misguidance" (*ḍalālah*) and "guidance" (*hudā*) in this verse?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It was revealed regarding all disbelievers. [Ibn Masʿūd and Ibn ʿAbbās]
2. It was revealed regarding the People of the Book. [Qatādah, al-Suddī, and Muqātil] 
3. It was revealed regarding the hypocrites, as stated by Mujāhid. "Bought" here means they took something instead of another.

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. They believed and then disbelieved. [Mujāhid] 
2. The Jews believed in the foretold Prophet, but when the Prophet (ﷺ) was actually sent, they disbelieved in him. [Muqātil]
3. When the disbelievers received the guidance brought by the Prophet (ﷺ), they rejected it and chose misguidance, so they were like someone who exchanged one thing for another. [Ibn al-Jawzī's teacher, ʿAlī ibn ʿUbayd Allāh]

In what way did they exchange misguidance for guidance?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597 AH / 1201 CE) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. According to Allāh's Pre-eternal Knowledge, they were not going to be guided.
2. They were not guided away from error.
3. They were not guided to the profitable trade enjoyed by the believers.
4. They were misguided (and foolish) when they chose to follow error.
5. It emphasises that they were blameworthy along with the fact they did not profit. Generally, a merchant may fail to profit but still be free of blame because he acted properly.

What is intended by the phrase "and they were not rightly guided"?