Araf 152-153 | aamsaafank's Blog

Araf 152-153

152- THOSE WHO TOOK THE CALF TO WORSHIP, WILL SUFFER THE ANGER OF THEIR LORD AS WELL AS HUMILIATION IN THE LOWER LIFE, THIS IS HOW WE RECOMPENSE THOSE INVENTING LIES.

153- AS FOR THOSE WHO DID BAD DEEDS, AND THEN REPENTED AFTERWARDS AND BELIEVED, FOR YOUR LORD AFTERWARDS IS MOST FORGIVING AND MOST MERCIFUL.

Not all, of the Children of Israel, took part in making and worshipping the golden calf.  Allah the Highest promised those who took part in the worshipping of the golden calf, that they will incur Allah’s anger and wroth and that they will be humiliated in this lower life we live.

Allah the Highest commanded the Children of Israel, those who worshipped the golden calf: “AND AS MUSA SAID TO HIS PEOPLE: “O MY PEOPLE, YOU HAVE WRONGED YOUR OWN SOULS BY TAKING THE CALF (TO WORSHIP), REPENT TO YOUR LORD AND KILL YOURSELVES (THE GUILTY), THIS IS BETTER FOR YOU BEFORE YOUR CREATOR”.  THEN HE (ALLAH) FORGAVE YOU, FOR HE IS THE MOST FORGIVING, THE MOST MERCIFUL”.  (S:2 A:54)

This great punishment was for the great sin committed, after all the favours and miracles of Allah the Highest to the Children of Israel.  This punishment was for those who worshipped the calf and those who did not because:

1-    Those who made the calf and worshipped it were killed and humiliated by being killed by their own people, friends and relatives.

2-    Those who did not worship the calf had to kill their own people, friends and relatives who did, for they did not stop them.

This shows us that part of our social and religious responsibility in this life is to prevent the wrong being done, particularly when people we know well do it.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Support your brother, whether he is unjust or is treated unjustly”.  They said: “We will support him when treated unjustly, but how do we support him when he is unjust?”  He said: “By restraining his hand”.  (B:Mazalem;4 & T:Fetan;68 & Da:Reqaq;4 & A:3;99,201)

For, interfering on the side of what is right and just on each side makes for the general welfare of the society, and preventing injustice and sin spreading throughout society.

Allah the Highest permitted repentance for those who realized that they had committed sin, and sought forgiveness.  However, belief is an important condition for repentance being accepted, “AS FOR THOSE WHO DID BAD DEEDS, AND THEN REPENTED AFTERWARDS AND BELIEVED, FOR YOUR LORD AFTERWARDS IS MOST FORGIVING AND MOST MERCIFUL”.

Indeed, “The Forgiving” and “The Most Merciful” are of Allah’s Good Names.