Does the verse: "So do not set up rivals to Allah while you know" (Al-Baqarah: 22) indicate an excuse for ignorance?

The verse is not evidence for excusing ignorance; rather, it is a reprimand to the polytheists and an urging for them to use their intellect to contemplate and affirm God's Oneness. They are people of knowledge and insight, and had they contemplated even minimally, their intellect would have confirmed the existence of a Creator for all possibilities. Ibn Ashour said that the intent of the phrase: {while you know} is a reprimand and an incitement to diligence, as it attributes knowledge and sound judgment to them in order to stir their resolve and draw their attention to the proofs of Divine Oneness.