Interesting…We know from Quran that those who uphold QUran are the righteous. Thus, will not be punished by GOD. . However, this hadith is saying that those who follow the path of reading and teaching ‘SUNNAH’ will be SEVERELY PUNISHED!!
This is interesting too. GOD is the teacher of the Quran (Quran 55:1-2), not the Mullahs. In fact, putting Islamic scholars up on a pedestal is forbidden in Quran.
[Quran 9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords,* instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners.
In fact, the Quran questions muslims why they would even consider another source of religious guidance INSTEAD of Quran.
[Quran 6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt.
](Chapter 6, Livestock (Al-An ‘ãm) Footnotes)
[Quran 6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice*. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
](Chapter 6, Livestock (Al-An ‘ãm) Footnotes)
[Quran 6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. **They follow only conjecture; they only guess. **
Basically, this 'beautiful’ hadith encourages obeying ‘OTHER’ than GOD. This is exactly what the ‘test’ is about. We are here to see if we obey GOD as our ONLY Lord and Master, or do we follow the words of men? If we trust GOD, we trust HIS words, not the words of men. It is as simple as that.
Peace
submitmj